Our wonderful founder, Chester Roistacher, passed away this past Thursday evening.
He began the Riverside Folk Song Society back in 1960 to encourage people to come together to share songs and music. He was a wonderful singer, mandolin player and raconteur.
Chet and his wife Jean, who passed away in 2014, hosted magical musical gatherings at their cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains twice a year for forty years. Many of us will fondly remember early morning Tai Chi sessions, looking at the stars through the big telescope and going on nature hikes to learn the difference between a sugar and a jeffrey pine.
Chet was a world-renowned citrus virologist at UC Riverside. He traveled the world helping save citrus crops and training others to do the same. He often took his mandolin with him, proving that music can speak across language and cultural barriers. He published several books about his life and his work, which are available at Amazon.com.
More than anything, Chet will be missed for his loving positivity and unwavering friendship.
Chester Roistacher
June 17, 1924 – September 29, 2022
