Allan Dwight

Ison

Allan Dwight Ison was born on June 4, 1954 to Hudson McGee and Dorothy (Smith) Ison in Grand Rapids, Mi and peacefully passed away on August 16, 2026.

Allan grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Public Schools. He attended South High School, until he was transferred to Ottawa Hills High School where he graduated.

If you really know Allan, you would know that he moves to the beat of his own drum. One classic example of this would be when, instead of attending his own high school graduation ceremony, that drum beat led Allan to choose to go fishing. Another example of Allan listening to his own drum beat would be, after having his leg amputated, Allan chose to adopt a dog, a very large dog! A Pitt Bul/Lab mix that he named CJ. If you happened to drive down Alto Street, you would often see Allan sitting on the stoop with CJ. He really loved that dog! Some may remember Allan as "Cool Papa Rasta" as he was our family's Rastafarian, growing his hair in dreadlocks long before it became popular. Embracing many Rastafari principles such as loving nature, and respecting living things, Allan found joy in spending time with family and friends. He loved expressing his Afrocentric style of dressing when he wanted to dress up. He'd wear his African wear of a matching shirt and pants made of African fabric, topping it off with a matching Kufi hat.

Allan experienced a variety of employment experiences. In the 1970's Allan worked as a golf caddy, did some work with electronics and worked at Steelcase, before finding a passion to work with youth. Upon finding his passion Allan began working for the Grand Rapids Public schools as a Paraprofessional and continued all the way until retirement. While working for the school district, he also coached basketball at Sigsbee Elementary School. Allan was a jokester. He loved to play practical jokes on people. He also loved cooking Caribbean food. and listening to all kinds of music, especially Reagae. Allan was also a DI and worked on late night radio (WEHB). Allan played an intricate part in bringing different Jamaican artists to Grand Rapids with the co-founder of Reggae Ambassador Worldwide, Edward Francis Taylor, otherwise known as Rastaman Nane.

As mentioned before, Allan loved fishing. An avid fisherman, Allan would often catch fish and give them away. He would go fishing every chance he got! Fishing was an activity that he continued to do throughout his life.

Allan leaves to cherish his memories his granddaughter Markeisha Weaver of Grand Rapids, (3) brothers Leonard (Brenda) Ison, Michael (Cathy) Ison and Hudson (Joyce) McGee all of Grand Rapids, one Sister, Lisa Ison of Grand Rapids, multiple nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Special long time friends: Yvonda Ross and Larry Hammond "Walking Larry".

Allan was preceded in death by his father, Hudson McGee, his mother, Dorothy Ison and his daughter Latisha Weaver. Allan surely will be missed by his family and friends.

Life will never be the same without him calling his little brother saying, "boy, when are we gonna go fishing" or, "what do you think the Detroit Lions gonna do this year?