Philip Isely | |
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Born | Henry Philip Isely October 16, 1915 Montezuma, Kansas, U.S. |
Died | June 26, 2012 United States | (aged 96)
Resting place | Dillon Cemetery, Summit County, Colorado, US |
Alma mater | |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1946–2003 |
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Spouses |
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Children | 7 |
Philip Isely (October 16, 1915 – June 26, 2012) was an American peace activist and writer best known for writing numerous books and founding the Global Ratification and Elections Network (GREN) (now known as Earth Federation Movement (EFM)) and World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) along with his wife Margaret Isely, in 1955.[1]
He was also co-founder of the health food chain Natural Grocers (formerly Vitamin Cottage store).[2]
Born as Henry Philip Isely on October 16, 1915, the son of James Walter Isely and Jessie M. Owen, he grew up in Montezuma, Kansas.[3]
In 1934–35, he attended South Oregon Jr. College in Ashland and from 1935 to 1937, he studied at Antioch College. In 1939,[4] while pursuing his degree at Antioch College, Philip's path crossed with Margaret Ann Sheesley and they married in 1948.[5]
Main article: Natural Grocers |
After following organic diet, Philip's wife Margaret's health improved significantly, they recognized the potential health benefits of natural eating and began distributing nutrition books and taking supplement orders door-to-door, laying the foundation for their business. In 1958, they opened their first health food store in Lakewood, Colorado[2] and in 1963, the Iselys converted a cottage-style house into their new store, inspiring the name change to "Vitamin Cottage". Now it is run by the second-generation siblings Zephyr, Kemper and Heather with more than 160 retail grocery stores in around 20 states of US.[6]
In 1958, Philip ran as a Candidate for the U.S. Congress.[1]
Main article: World Constitution and Parliament Association |
The World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) emerged from the Campaign for World Government (CWG), a movement that gained momentum in the aftermath of World War II.[7] Recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive constitution to safeguard the planet, Philip and Margaret Isely, prominent advocates based in Denver, Colorado, became key figures in the push for a world parliament and global law.[8] In the mid-1950s, they joined the CWG at its Chicago offices and, in 1958 alongside individuals like Thane Read, Guy Marchand, and Marie Philips Scot, they formed the "World Committee for a World Constitutional Convention."[9] In 1961, the committee relocated to Denver and issued a public call for the convention, garnering committed delegates from 50 nations and endorsements from several heads of state.[10] In 1966, the organization was renamed the World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA), with Philip Isely serving as Secretary-General and Margaret Isely as Treasurer. Notably, their extensive correspondence with influential figures such as Dr. T. P. Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka and Dr. Reinhart Ruge of Mexico contributed to the growth and development of WCPA, eventually leading to their appointment as co-presidents.[8] Together, they dedicated their efforts to advancing the cause of a world constitution in their respective roles for many years. After the death of his first wife in 1997, Philip remarried in 2001,[10] and he left WCPA in 2003, with Glen T. Martin assuming the role of Secretary-General.[8]
During their active years, their home was picketed after a local newspaper (Jefferson Sentinel) accused them of being Communists. However, according to Margaret, "One of our neighbors had us investigated because we passed out literature for the Peoples World Parliament, but the FBI gave us a clean slate as harmless pacifists."[5]
Philip Isely authored numerous books, including:[11][12]
Philip also co-authored and edited several works, including "A constitution for the Federation of Earth" (1974, revised edition 1991)[29] and Plan for collaboration in World Constituent Assembly for 1991.[30] He was also the author of several world legislation measures adopted at the Provisional World Parliament.[29]
In 1989, obtained a research doctorate in education.[1] He received the Honor Award of the International Association of Educators for World Peace in 1975.[1][3]