MADARIAGA, H. Buster

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/11/2015 H. Buster Madariaga was born and raised in Springerville and resided there until his death Dec. 3, 2015. A graduate of Round Valley High School, he was very athletic, earning All American Honors in football his senior year 1949. He attended college at Arizona State College (now Northern Arizona University), graduating in 1957 with a PhD in physical education. He served as co-captain for the 1956 Lumberjack football team, coached by Max Spilsbury, and was a recipient of the Golden Axe Award. Buster served in the Navy, as a Navy Frogmen during the Korean War, certified in deep-sea diving and underwater demolition stationed a board the USS Everglades. Buster was an avid outdoors man, loved to hunt and fish the White Mountains. He was a cowboy and rodeo champion, including College Bareback Champion 1957 and Arizona Rodeo Association Saddle Bronc Champion 1963. Buster worked as a teacher and coach for over 30 years at various schools, but Round Valley was where he taught the longest. After retiring from teaching, he enjoyed having dinner at Hon-Dah with family and friends and spending time with his grandkids. Buster is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margo Madariaga; son Buster Madariaga; daughter-in-law Melissa Madariaga; daughter Dawn R. Madariaga-Lee; grandchildren Justin Perkins, Morgen Madariaga, Macey Madariaga and Aaron Madariaga; and great-grandchildren Riley Perkins, Brytleigh Gutierrez and Rasiton Gutierrez. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Springerville with rosary at 9:30 a.m. and service and Mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to hospice.