Jacob Isbister

Jacob Bradley Isbister

Forever 26

Sunrise: July 31st, 1998  –  Sunset: March 15th, 2025

Jacob (Too Too) Bradley Isbister was born on July 31st, 1998, in Saskatoon at Royal University Hospital to Colleen Isbister and Kenneth Cook. From the very beginning, he was surrounded by love. Raised in Saskatoon, Jacob quickly became a source of light and joy to those who knew him. His family was completely smitten with him, adoring his big, beautiful smile and the happiness he brought into their lives. From an early age, he captured the hearts of those around him with his sweetness, charm, and infectious energy.

Growing up Jacob had an incredible sense of humor and was always doing something silly to make people laugh. Whether it was striking a pose for pictures, attempting to breakdance, or dressing up like a little rap star, he had a way of bringing joy to those around him. His love for hip-hop started early, when, as a toddler, he heard "Hypnotize" by Biggie Smalls for the first time. The moment the beat dropped, he started dancing with everything he had, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for hip-hop and music.

Jacob loved going on drives with his big sister Megan, where they would grab coffee, milkshakes, or pop and cruise for hours, listening to the latest releases from their favorite rappers. These drives became a sacred space where they bonded over music, introduced each other to new artists, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. Jacob was always the first to know about the latest hip-hop tracks, and he had an incredible ear for music, introducing his sister to many cool artists.

His musical interests extended far beyond hip-hop. As a teenager, he became obsessed with Billy Talent, developing a deep appreciation for rock, punk, and grunge. He was gifted a drum kit for his 13th birthday by his big sister Leslie and brother-in-law John and gave them a try, but his true passion was always for the guitar and bass. He was so talented. He poured his heart into playing these instruments, and they became a key part of his creative expression and connection to the world around him.

Jacob also had a deep love for gaming. He received his first Nintendo at just five years old, and from then on, gaming became a major part of his life. Over the years, he collected almost every gaming system, but his true passion lay in building his own PC gaming setups. One of his most treasured possessions was a custom-built gaming system that he put together himself. His talent for gaming was undeniable, and he spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, constantly improving his skills and exploring new games.

Jacob was one of the most calm, laid-back, and gentle souls anyone could have the privilege of knowing. He also had an undeniable sense of style, always dressed in the latest streetwear and luxury brands. Whether it was a crisp fitted brand name cap, the latest Converse shoes, or a perfectly put-together outfit, Jacob had a way of making fashion look effortless. He had a kind heart and was always mindful of others' feelings, often putting them before his own. His sense of humor, which began in childhood, never left him. He had a unique ability to make people smile or laugh with his quirky jokes and clever responses. Jacob was a thoughtful friend and a generous, helpful person. Whether it was cleaning, moving something, or fixing something, he never hesitated to lend a hand. Loyalty was one of his defining traits, and he was deeply devoted to his friends and family. Family meant everything to Jacob, and he always cherished the bonds he shared with those closest to him.

Jacob was incredibly intelligent, with a natural curiosity and sharp mind. Although he faced challenges that prevented him from finishing school, he always had a desire to further his education. He began taking steps to return to school in the fall of 2023, driven by the hope of finishing what he had started. His intellect shone through in everything he did. While he may not have had the chance to pursue formal education the way others did, his resourcefulness and unique approach to life were undeniable.

After the passing of his mother when he was 18, Jacob’s mental health began to decline. At first, he masked his struggles with a smile, never wanting anyone to worry about him. He coped quietly, often prioritizing the feelings of others over his own. After her passing, Jacob moved to Prince Albert for a time before returning to Saskatoon at 19, his struggles became more apparent. Despite his challenges, Jacob never stopped trying to better himself. He wanted to heal and move forward, but navigating the mental health and addiction systems made it so much harder for him. Even in his hardest moments, Jacob remained the kind, gentle, and funny person everyone knew him to be — he just carried more weight than anyone should have to bear, and he did so in silence.

The past 18 months were the most difficult of his life. To cope, Jacob turned to others who were also struggling and eventually began using alcohol and drugs. He spent time in the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health multiple times and turned to substances like meth and fentanyl to numb his pain. While he connected with supportive housing, crisis intervention, and harm reduction programs, the lack of funding and prioritization for mental health and addiction services in the province meant that these supports were often inefficient. Jacob’s struggles were not a reflection of his strength or his will to live, but rather a devastating example of the gaps in the systems meant to help people like him.

Jacob experienced what many know as ‘revolving door syndrome’ within the mental health and addiction services in Saskatoon. The supports available to him did not effectively address his mental health conditions or provide the wrap-around services he truly needed, such as safer housing and better treatment options. The people working within the system did what they could, but the barriers in place made it nearly impossible for him to receive the care that might have saved his life. Jacob passed away due to an accidental overdose, losing his battle with mental health & addiction. His struggles do not define him though; rather, they shed light on the need for greater support and understanding for those facing similar battles.

His family recognizes that Jacob’s struggles were not solely his own — he was one of many who fall through the cracks of an underfunded and overwhelmed system. This is not just a tragedy; it is a call to action. There is an urgent need for better-funded, more effective mental health and addiction services, ones that prioritize long-term recovery, harm reduction, and genuine support for those in crisis. Jacob’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how much change is still needed.

Jacob will be remembered for his beautiful and gentle spirit. His kindness, humor, and warmth touched so many lives, and his story will continue to serve as a reminder to those who are struggling — know that you are loved, and people care. No matter how hard things may seem, your family and loved ones are waiting for you when you are ready to seek help and return to them. His family wants to honor not just the light he brought into the world, but also his struggles, in the hopes that his story may bring awareness and change.

Jacob is survived by his loving immediate family, large extended family, and dear friends who cherished him deeply. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He would have wanted those he left behind to remember his inner light and to always 'keep it Gucci.'

His late mother, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, must be welcoming him with open arms, embracing him with the love that has always surrounded him.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the services that did their best to support Jacob, including the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health, the Next Steps Program, and his COAST supports. Thank you to those supports who walked alongside Jacob with care and compassion — your presence and efforts did not go unnoticed, and our family is forever grateful. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mistawasis First Nation and Westwood Funeral Home for their support during this difficult time.

Jacob’s services will be held at Mayfair United Church. The wake will be on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. His Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m. A dinner with the family will be held at the church afterward. We invite guests to wear black — Jacob’s favorite color — or purple in recognition of overdose awareness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jacob’s memory to Prairie Harm Reduction for Naloxone kits, Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services, and North Star Supportive Housing, supporting the causes that mattered in his journey.