LOCAL music luminary Izzy Foreal died on Monday morning while jogging through his beloved Bongil Bongil National Park. The loss came as a shock to family, friends and the broader shire community.
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He was 65.
Izzy was an adored and well-respected Raleigh resident. While his iconic musical status on the Australian rock scene has long been cemented and revered, it is his gentle, loving and generous spirit that many will remember.
Lynne Sanders-Braithwaite, Izzy’s longtime partner, described him as the “man who brought colour into my life”.
“He was an incredibly kind man with a loving heart who was willing to help anyone. He took care of me, adored his family and mine.”
Izzy has left indelible ink on local musicians. His five years here has seen a musical contribution and legacy on a phenomenal scale. He was a star entertainer who mixed rich sounds with irreverence and humour.
Izzy had many wise words, but they were always said with a sense of humility, sweetness and charity. He had an enthusiasm and love for working with and mentoring younger local artists.
Izzy was also an academic. His scholarly credentials reinforced him as a lover of the broad school or arts, and this interest recently saw an endeavor to research and uncover more history of the Bellingen Shire.
And it was his adoration for the region, its people and the sense of community that brought Izzy peace and belonging, Lynne told the Courier-Sun.
* Izzy had planned to play this week at the Raleigh School of Arts. Instead, the weekend gathering will be a celebration of life and farewell for Izzy.
