MADARIAGA, Samuel Octavio (Coach Sam)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/17/2014 Samuel Octavio Madariaga (Coach Sam), 86, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in his sleep at home. He was born May 28, 1927, and raised in Springerville, the son of Samuel and Theresa Baldonado Madariaga. He joined the United States Navy, serving as a tail gunner in a PBY Catalina based in Pensacola, Fla. Sam then went to college in Flagstaff at Northern Arizona University, attaining a teaching certificate. He was employed at Round Valley High School for 35 years, serving as a coach for all sports at RVHS. Sam eventually obtained a master’s degree from NAU in business administration. He served as principal for RVHS for a couple years, but returned to teaching after missing the interaction with the students. Sam hosted several foreign exchange students while he was a teacher at RVHS. Sam was married to Anne Butchart Madariaga for 56 years and is survived by three children: Kirk Madariaga of Paonia, Colo., Renee Carrizosa of Tucson and Michelle Schwartz of Cortez, Colo.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sam was a businessman and the owner and operator of El Rio Theatre since 1967. He served as a city councilman and mayor of Springerville. Sam was also member of the American Legion and the local Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid and very enthusiastic hunter and fisherman, spending many hours in the woods and on the lakes of northern Arizona. His homemade fishing flies were the envy of many a friend. Thankfully, he shared them freely. Sam was incredibly generous with his money, time, advice and love. He always saw the positive in people and would never say anything negative about anyone. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who have known him and loved him. Sam touched numerous lives in positive ways and was an inspiration to all that knew him. He will be missed tremendously! Now we have an amazing guardian angel to watch over us. Leave an online condolence for Sam’s family at www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.
Posted by Sharla on January 17, 2014

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