It is rare that a man can be measured equally for the quality of his work and personal character. His work was unparalleled in terms of its breadth and depth, and will endure and be admired for generations. This keeper of true bugs gave freely and tirelessly to all. What is remarkable, that to a person, he was regarded as a close friend, even those who knew him little. He will be greatly missed.

The members of the International Heteropterists Society express their sympathies to his friends and family. To his colleagues at the Zoological Institute of St Petersburg we stand with you in your loss. To his wife (Margerita), and two daughters (Liliana and Olga) we express our deepest sympathy for their unfathomable loss.

Vale Izya