VERGENNES — Our loving son, brother, father, “Uncle Izzy” was born on Oct. 18, 1982, in Middlebury and left his earthly dwelling on Dec. 2, 2021, after many years of struggling with depression, bipolar and substance issues.

Israel is survived by his loving maternal mother Candy Kidwell; his father Louis (Randy) Provencher; stepmother, Wendy Provencher; the pride and joy in his life, Louis Nathaniel Provencher; Alexis Provencher (Louis’s mother); his supportive sister, Monique (Provencher) Kang, Monique’s husband Mark Kang and their three daughters Hunter, Kaela and Sloan; grandparents Harry Provencher and Ray and Swanee Visser, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Of the many predeceased relatives Israel had special relationships with his aunt, Roxanne (Provencher) Bannister, and grandmother Kathrine Wade.

Israel graduated from Vergennes Union High School due to another special person in his life, Mrs. Lee Shorey.

Along life’s journey Israel found his niche in the food service industry. He worked at Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing LLC, where he would later settle into using his cooking skills with numerous restaurants in Virginia, Vermont and New York.

Israel enjoyed reading and  conversing (debating) with anyone about anything and everything (with a chuckle from us who know him). Israel had a great smile and a deep hardy laugh that you enjoyed. He took great pleasure in gardening and especially enjoyed growing hot peppers. One thing Israel loved to do was cook delicious meals for his mom when he came to visit.

Israel took comfort in spending time with Louis hiking, fishing and being in nature. Israel enjoyed the simple things in life and desired a content life. Israel always hoped to live in a yurt on a small piece of land where he could grow a garden with crops, raise some animals and settle into a place of peace and quiet. He did not get to achieve that dream, but we are not without hope he may have it now or something better in heaven. You will be forever missed here on earth sweet Izzy.

The family is planning a funeral in June 2022.

In his memory please consider donating to: mountainside.com or woundedwarriorproject.org. To send online condolences to his family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.◊