Edgar R. Folkers, Jr., DVM, beloved husband of attorney Lila Allen Folkers and proud father of Kyle Folkers, 27, Breanne Huss, 25 and Cameron Folkers, 22 passed away May 2, 2007, as a result of a heart attack while climbing down a mountain in Rwanda, Africa after visiting the 'gorillas in the midst .' Dr. Folkers was born to Edgar Robert Folkers, Sr., and Frances Greenlee Folkers 65 years ago in Canton, Illinois in 1959 and obtained a B.S. from Milikin University in 1964. Dr. Folkers graduated from the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine with a D.V.M. in 1969 and completed an intern at the Berwyn Animal Medical Center. A seasoned business owner, Dr. Folkers moved from Chicago to sunny California 34 years ago and opened Mission Viejo Animal Hospital in 1974. Dr. Folkers was instrumental in developing the high level of animal care and professionalism that now defines veterinary medicine in South Orange County, CA. Professional accolades Include: Four years as a governor-appointed member of the Animal Health Technicians Exmining Committee: co-founder of the Animal Urgent Care Facility in Mission Viejo; initialtion of monthly radiology and internal medicine rounds and master mind group for local veterinarians; and officer of Southern California Veterinary Medical Association's local chapter. Dr. Folker co-founded the American Association of Feline Practitioners. He was a well known supporter of the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter by his donations of the medical and surgical treatment for pets in need, for housing animals when the shelter reached capacity and providing spray, neuter and vaccines for adoptable pets. Dr. Foulkers supported the community and gave of his time to help educate children about the profession. Dr. Folkers had a zest for veterinary medicine and life. He was forced to relocate his practice twice during his career but never complained about that or any of he other obstacle and frustrations that he encountered along he way to a successful career. To those who knew Ed, he was even tempered always kept a positive attitude. When Dr. Folkers moved to Southern California, he was pleased to learn local veterinarians often met for Friday lunch to exchange ideas, build friendships and maintain a special camaraderie. That tradition continues today and those that attend this specail get-together will miss Ed deeply. A chair will be saved for him. Once Mission Viejo Animal Hospital received 'Practice of Excellence' honors 2000, Dr. Folkers and his team faced added pressure to reach new levels. 'We're excited about the award and want to be sure to always sparkle in people's eyes,' he said. ' We know the bar has been raised, and it's our job to live up to it and become a more outstanding practice.' Dr. Edgar Folkers was defined by these challanges. As a resuslt of his philantropic venture, such as giving away over $1 milion in services to the Animal Shelter in South Orange County, Mission Viejo since 1993 and many who were given the gift of life as a result of his careful diagnosis, superb medical treatment, surgical procedures and follow up care, the city of Mission Viejo and the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group named Dr. Folkers Hometown Hero on February 20, 2006. Dr. Folkers will be missed by his family and friends as well as the thousands of pet ownes who enjoyed compassionate, sympathetic and capable care of their precious pets by his loving and gentle soul. Dr. Folkers was divorced from his first wife, Kathy Folkers who currently resides in Arizona, and Dr. Folkers had remarried Lila Allen Folkers. Tragically, Lila Allen Folkers' only son, aged 22, died 9 weeks ago. In addition to his wife and three children, Dr. Folker is survived by his two sisters Barbara Ann Pottter in Gilman, Illinois, and Marylee Neylon in Merriville, Indiana and five nieces and nephews. There wll be a viewing Friday, May 11, 2007, from 7-9p.m. at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA 92653, 949/581-4300. The Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday , May 12, 2007 at Rancho Capistrano Ministries, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949/347-4000. Any flowers should be sent to Rancho Capistrano Ministries, attention 'Sanctuary.'