ebster, Riggan inducted into Brewster High School Wall of Fame

BREWSTER – One of the highlights of the senior commencement ceremonies is the annual induction of the latest Brewster High School alumnus into the school’s Wall of Fame in recognition for meritorious service to the community. This year, Brewster School Superintendent Eric Driessen named two citizens to be so honored, Dan Webster and Roy “Spider” Riggan.

Webster graduated Brewster High School in 1974, Riggan in 1950. Webster entered the family furniture business and purchased it in 1979 when his father Frank, retired. Webster’s Furniture will celebrate 70 years in

business this year.
Webster married Kim Moore in 1980 and the couple have three children, Gabe, Lyndsay and Cody and are also grandparents.

Riggan came to Brewster at age 15 as the oldest of 10 children of Roy and Laura Mae Riggan. The Riggan family purchased about 20 acres of property, 15 of those orchard, on Brewster Flat in 1949.

Riggan married Ethel Lautensleger and the couple raised four children, Del, Lori, Randy and Corey all of whom are Brewster High School graduates. Riggan purchased the family tract from his parents in the early 1960’s, leased his first fruit warehouse in 1966 and eventually built Apple House. Heretired in 2007 after 60 years in the orchard business.

In prepared remarks delivered last Friday evening, June 6, a portion of which are included here, Driessen acknowledged both inductees:
“Dan has served on the Chamber of Commerce, City Council and Three Rivers Hospital Board and Foundation,” said Driessen. “He was given the Mayor’s Award in 2002 for his active campaign for the School District’s M and O levy.”

“Dan is gifted with the talent of playing the guitar and singing,” said Driessen. “He has volunteered at Sacred Heart Parish leading the music for over 30 years. Dan is heavily involved in the church activities supporting and loving their members.”

“Spider provided employment for many families in the area,” said Driessen of Riggan’s 60 years in the orchard business. “Those families meant a lot to Spider and were more than employees but were a part of his extended family. Spider has sponsored Brewster athletics from AAU basketball through high school events.”

Driessen said Riggan’s example of starting with nothing to build a large orchard and warehouse business serves an example of the “American dream” and “the determination and hard work needed to be successful.”

“Each individual inducted into the Wall of Fame will have a plaque placed on the wall in the High School Commons area as a tribute to the impact they have had since graduating from Brewster High School,” Driessen said.