We are heartbroken to share the unexpected passing of Christopher Frances Buffalo Groves Folsom. Chris passed away on August 07, 2025, at the young age of 72. Chris “Buffalo” leaves a footprint of friends… who truly loved him. His lasting impact on those who knew him is as timeless as his artwork. Chris had an infectious personality. He never knew a stranger. He was a free spirit and followed ways of life that inspired you, to want to be a part of. If you knew Buffalo, then you knew the light he brought to any event and the passion he exuded in living life, living one’s passion and being a free soul.
Chris was born on Oct. 26, 1952, to Virginia Groves Folsom and Frank Andrew Groves. Due to the early passing of his father, Chris was blessed with the love of his adopted father, Arthur C. Folsom. He is survived by his 3 siblings; Brother, KevinFolsom, his wife Judy Folsom, Sister Mariana Tucker and brother Art Folsom, and his loving sweetheart, Kalissa Maki with brother, Daniel and wife Valarie Chapman and with son; Davin Maki and Daughter; Lorin and Ryan Nevius and Chris 4 Beautiful grandchildren, who lovingly called him “PAPA CHRIS.” Chris also leaves behind 5 nephews, 4 nieces, 9 grandnieces and 3 grandnephews.
Chris grew up in Bakersfield, Ca where he graduated from Garces Memorial High School, and went to Bakersfield College where he played football. After attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chris graduated with a BA in Social Science. Upon graduation, Chris moved to Ventura to collaborate passionately with other artists and create stone carvings. Life then took him into the mountains of Utah where he worked closely with at - risk students to help them process the world around them and make changes for the better, for themselves. Following this, Chris took his archaeological skills to work with a pipeline company… where Chris earned the nickname “Buffalo.”
Buffalo followed his artistic passions up to Bend, Oregon and made a major footprint with his artistic talents where he created monumental metal sculptures. Some of his lasting community projects in Oregon include a huge mama bear with her 3 cubs, located in Madras, Oregon, on one of their many city road roundabout’s. In Bend, Oregon’s “Old Mill District,” Buffalo created a beautiful sculpture of an osprey diving in a pond catching, not just one , but two fish. Buffalo left his mark on communities and homeowners… wherever he went. Private pieces include a monumental bear catching fish out of a waterfall, or metal fencing with a scene of fly fisherman catching a fish in a creek. Buffalo leaves behind a trail of countless sculptures and art pieces wherever he laid his head. These will be forever treasured and a reminder of what an amazing artist and man he was.
Locally, Buffalo created 3 Major metal sculptures… the entrance to Garces Memorial High School’s stadium which includes 2 magnificent metal sculptures of the iconic Garces Ram. Additional, he commissioned a sculpture of Andrew Ferguson (a founding father of Oildale, CA) located in the town of Oildale, CA. Finally , Buffalo created a monumental metal sculpture of an 8 foot Jesus placed on a 23 foot cross located in the courtyard of the “Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton” Catholic Church.
This man, Chris… we all share a commonality, the eternal love we have for him….
Let us Now Celebrate the Life of Christopher Buffalo Folsom
October 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM
VFW (Lake Isabella)
2811 Nugget Ave,
Lake Isabella, CA 93240
