ESCONDIDO -- While he spent most of his life working as an educator and minister, Stephen Isaac was also an avid writer and world traveler who knew how to make the best of any situation.

"He traveled the world looking for new adventures," said his daughter, San Marcos resident Felice Reynolds. "He went to New Zealand, South America, Europe and Asia."

Isaac died from heart failure on July 20 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 82.

"He was a wonderful companion," said Phyllis Isaac, his wife of 54 years. "He enjoyed life so much that he could make anything fun."

Isaac's wife said his first priority was being minister at The Christward Ministry at Questhaven Retreat in Escondido, where he served as church director from 1988 to 2004.

"The church was his passion, but he always found time to take me out to lunch and to travel," his wife said. "He also loved education and writing."

Isaac was director of testing and evaluation for San Diego city schools from 1973 to 1988, and he authored "Handbook in Research and Evaluation," "Songs from the House of Pilgrimage" and other books and publications.

Born in Medford, Ore. in 1925, Isaac moved to Vista after high school. He served in Europe and the Philippines during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1951 from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in psychology in 1963 from the Claremont Graduate School near Los Angeles.

He married his wife in 1953. The couple spent some time in Pacific Palisades before moving to Rancho Bernardo in 1965. In 1973, they settled in Escondido, where Phyllis Isaac still lives. The couple has two sons and two daughters.

"I feel like half of me is gone," his wife said. "We didn't always see eye-to-eye, but we have no regrets."

Isaac's daughter said he had a knack for being optimistic.

"He never complained about the challenges he faced," his daughter, Felice, said, explaining that his church faced some legal battles and that he struggled with Parkinson's. "He always looked at the bright side."

As a father he was both stern and encouraging, she said, and as a man he was confident and a great leader.

His daughter said she has fond memories of him helping with math and science homework, and taking the family on cross-country trips.

"He was busy a lot with his career, but he gave us his full attention when he was with us," she said.

Isaac's hobbies included hiking, playing with his pets and studying psychology. His daughter said he was a particular fan of Carl Jung.

His favorite movies were "Ben-Hur" and "Chariots of Fire."

"He always loved the ones with heroism," his daughter said. "And he was willing to cry in front of others."

A public memorial service for Isaac will held at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the Questhaven Retreat, 20560 Questhaven Road in Escondido.

In addition to his wife, Isaac is survived by sons Kent and Blake Isaac of Escondido, daughter Felice Reynolds of San Marcos, daughter Merrily Boult of Arroyo Grande and nine grandchildren.

Contact staff writer David Garrick at (760) 761-4410 or dgarrick@nctimes.com.