Mr. Folger was my teacher from 4th to 6th grade 1978-1981, he had a very profound impact on my life and I am so sad that I did not have a chance to tell him that and show him that I was able to overcome feeling awkward and out of step and navigate toward real friends and success in life's journey because he let me know it was possible. He planted a seed of confidence and self reliance, and helped me to see that being different is a good thing. Even though I did not make an effort to stay in touch, he was and is on my mind on many occasions when I need to be reminded of extraordinary people who make a difference and really care. He was so bright and vivacious and engaged as a teacher and it truly pleases me that he had a family because I just know he was an amazing husband and father. I truly regret not staying in touch when I moved away from Riverside. Mr. Folger, Thank you for the time in your life that I was able to enjoy your smart, funny and kind-hearted spirit. My deepest sympathy to the Folger family, he was a bright star who has surely ascended into the sky to continue shining.

I was blessed enough to be in Mr. Folger's class for 4th - 6th grades (1983-1984). There is not a day that goes by that I think about him and my experiences in his classroom.  Even after all my years of school and graduate school, he is the most inspirational and increbile teachers I have ever had.  In fact, he inspired me to become a teacher.  Even though it was years ago, his amazing techniques and teaching styles are some that I use successfully with my own students.  He was truly one in a million and will be missed more than he will know.  Prayers with the family.

Mr. Folger was one of the most influential people in my life.  I had him for 5th and 6th grades and above all, he taught me responsibility and self-confidence.  There was never any doubt that he cared for his students immensely and had every intention of helping to make us all the best students and people we could be.  I'm sure I speak for the vast majority of his students when I say he made us feel loved and truly valuable and he encouraged every single one of us to live up to our potential.  I've carried the lessons he taught with me to this day and I've thought about him often over the years.  He was one of a kind.  Rest in peace, Mr. Folger.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I was in Mr. Folger's class for 5th and 6th grade.  I later ran into him when I was 20, and he immediately knew who I was.  He was an amazing teacher and still one of my favorites.  Thank you Mr. Folger for always comforting a young, awkward, girl and making her feel smart and important.  I will never forget.

Mrs folger. I'm sorry for your loss....  I had the privilage of being in Mr. Folgers class for 2 unforgettable years.  I remember the soft ball games down hill, capture the flag, pot lucks, and having our 6th grade class picture hung up until we graduated.  It's been years since I last saw him but I will miss him and always remember him, he was a great teacher and Emerson will  always be his home....... Emerson class of '95'

My daughter had the privilege of being a student of Mr. Folger for 3 years. He was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful teacher from whom she learned a great deal. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dick Folger was an amazing teacher.  Our daughter Allison had him for 3 years and Cindy had him for 2 years.  The way he worked with his students was the basis for the academic success they had after that.  He was the best loved and most important of all the teachers they had.  Hopefully his legacy will help comfort his family while they mourn his untimely death.

Dick-
You helped shape the lives of all who were around you - students, staff,  family and friends.
Mike & Carol Epstein (Laguna Woods Village, CA)

Mr. Folger, you changed my life. Being a student of yours for 4th, 5th, and 6th, grades, was one of the best times in my life. You believed in me. You believed in countless other students. Your legacy lives on through us and our incredible academic achievements. Thank you. Kristi Dawn

Dear Patricia,  
Your father was a great person for many of us.  At that time I was a student with him, the class was 4th-6th grade so he really drove our education.  He always let us push beyond what was set in the books for education at our level and made learning exciting from performance art to science.  I hear myself directing my children with his ambition.  My very best wishes for your continued success and gratefulness for what your family has given the Riverside community.  Sincerely, Margaret (Farmer) Kenrick

I miss you Mr. Folger, you were so influential in my education, and such a trooper for keeping up with me through my educational career.  My condolences to his family, you obviously knew what a special man he was.....
Shauna Ritter--Emerson Elementary 1981

OBITUARY

Richard Visser Folger

December 5, 1947 – May 7, 2012

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

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