MCpl Mark Isfeld atop a M113 personnel carrier in Croatia circa April 1994
By Scott Taylor
Alda Gysen displays her Izzy dolls that were knitted by her daughter Michelle Deverll in 2025
A long and winding tale: In April 1994 I met MCpl Mark Isfeld in Croatia. He was there as a UN Peacekeeper and I was covering the war as a correspondent. The photograph I took of MCpl Isfeld became the Esprit de Corps cover of the May 1994 edition. Tragically, MCpl Isfeld was killed the following month in Croatia by a landmine (21 June, 1994). As a tribute to her son, Carol Isfeld began knitting what she termed 'Izzy Dolls'. Her intention was to have Canadian Peacekeepers distribute them to impoverished children in war torn countries. This soon became a nationwide effort as thousands of women began knitting their own versions of the Izzy dolls.
I had the honour to meet Brian and Carol Isfeld (Mark's parents) while researching a story for Readers Digest. Both have since passed. However the Izzy dolls continue. At my Mother-in-Law's residence her neighbour, Alda Gysen has a treasure trove of Izzy dolls that were knitted by her daughter Michelle Deverll. Kudos to all of those keeping alive the memory of MCpl Isfeld and by extension the service of those who serve as peacekeepers.
