AZ 4-H Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductees
Oliver Anderson
Oliver Anderson was a pioneer 4-H member in the early years of 4-H in Arizona.
Oliver's active involvement and support of Arizona 4-H spans more than four decades. He founded the "Los Conquistadors" 4-H Community Club, served as a founding father on the Arizona 4-H Board of Directors, and spent over fourteen years as a Trustee for the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation.
His service to 4-H includes two terms as President of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. He continues to serve on the Pinal County Fair Advisory Board. He is a long-time member of the Pinal County Cooperative Extension Advisory Board and continues his legacy of leadership and service to 4-H as an active volunteer and key resource leader in Pinal County 4-H.
Marge Bayless
Marge Bayless has been an active leader in Maricopa County for 33 years. She was the parent of two very active 4-H members, Patty and Mary Bayless. Her husband, the late Gene Bayless, was a Shooting Sports Leaders for many years. She was a long-time member and secretary of the Maricopa Leaders' Association. She was a member and chair of the Maricopa County 4-H Development Corporation.
She has been awarded the UA's "Extensionist of the Year," the CALS "Lifetime Award," the DOVIA Rose Mofford Award, the ACAA South West District Meritorious Award, and the Meritorious Services Award from Phoenix High School District. She has been a member of the State 4-H Foundation for 12 years. Marge and Gene provided two endowments for the 4-H Foundation.
She has been Superintendent of the 4-H Horticulture Division of the Maricopa County Fair for 25 years and Assistant Superintendent of the State Fair 4-H Division for 23 years.
Everett and Anita Brown
Everett was a life-time supporter of 4-H. As a youth member, he won many awards in the swine project, and he was a regular buyer for years – bidding for the bank on many lambs, steers, and pigs.
After marrying Anita, who was a life-long sheep raiser and active in the Wool Producers Association, he always bought a 4-H lamb at the county fair. For many years he helped to organize the send-off party on the ground floor of the old First National Bank building to celebrate Arizona's delegates to National 4-H Congress in Chicago, and he and Anita even served as chaperones!
Everett was a founding member of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation in 1970, and he served on the Foundation Board for many years, including one term as President, raising money for Arizona's 4-H programs.
Jean Buzzard
Mrs. Jean Buzzard is a legend among most 4-H members and volunteers in Pima County. During her 31 years of experience, she has helped her own four children and grandchildren through the program
She served as the community club leader for over a decade for Tanque Verde Livestock (TVL). Since then, she has mentored every succeeding TVL Community Leader. Through her leadership and coordination of volunteer leaders, thousands of young people have gained knowledge and skills and have matured into outstanding citizens of the county. Most credit Jean for giving the support they needed to make the best better.
Through her direction the Pima County 4-H Leaders Association Board of Directors grew to include many different projects and expanded its food booth to a large scale operation. Jean has served on the Pima County Junior Livestock Sales Committee and on the Extension Board. Through her leadership, the funds were allocated fo the current Extension building through a bond election in 1984. Jean still maintains her interest in her interest in her club and in the county fair where she plays an active role.
Connor Byestewa, Jr.
Conner Byestewa, Jr., of the Colorado River Indian Tribes in La Paz County, was a true believer in 4-H. His outstanding track record of 27 years of agricultural contributions and accomplishments garnered him the 1997 "Extensionist of the Year" award.
"Through my extension experiences I have gained learning, work skills, management, and self confidence," he said. Byestewa placed 4-H high on his list of big influences in his life, as well as his Hopi culture. As a boy in 4-H in Parker Valley, he raised lambs, poultry, and beef, and was a champion Chicago 4-H winner.
Byestewa was instrumental in marshalling the support of the Colorado River Indian Tribes to establish Extension in La Paz County including Tribal support for the county budget. Before his death, he was a strong advocate for new technology in agriculture, environmental protection, and water quality.
Daisy Cannon
Daisy Mae Cannon started her years in 4-H when her children became 4-H age. She taught projects from cooking, sewing, and range management to raising steers. She taught herself to knit so she could be a knitting leader when a few girls wanted it as a project.
She helped with the local leaders and transported youth to events when parents weren't able. One of her greatest adventures was when she drove a bus load of 4-Hers to Phoenix and attended the Arizona State Fair.
Daisy Mae took a break as a 4-H leader after her children grew up. She moved to a new county and got involved as a leader a couple of years before her grandchildren would be 4-H age. She has worked in the county ever since and her grandchildren have all grown up. She accompanied youth to many activities, helped cook at 4-H camp, worked many hours in the 4-H food booth at the fair, and is still working as a leader helping with different county activities.
Daisy Mae feels 4-H is a worthwhile program for all youth. She has instilled the importance of 4-H to her family as her own children completed 10 years as members, two of her grandchildren completed 10 years, and her daughter that has been involved for 31 years as a member and leader.
Dr. Bartley P. Cardon
Bart Cardon was born on a ranch near what is now the UA's Campbell Avenue Farm. As President of Arizona Feeds, he took a keen interest in the welfare of Arizona's 4-H Program and made it his business to help 4-H youth. In 1970 he gathered a group of influential agri-business leaders and founded the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation.
Over the years, Bart would travel the state seeking support for 4-H. It has been said that when he was flying across the state, he could look down and tell you who's property you were over, who their kids were, and what 4-H projects they had. After his retirement he became Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Arizona. While Dean, Bart was a tireless champion of the 4-H program. He was largely responsible for the development of the UA Maricopa Ag. Center, which has become an internationally acclaimed agriculture research and demonstration facility, and will soon be the home of a new Ag-ventures Village and State 4-H Museum.
Ed and Debbie Carpenter
Ed and Debbie Carpenter have been leaders for more than 25 years and have watched their children grow in the program.
Both Ed and Debbie were 4-H members themselves and have given their time and skills to teaching youth in Yuma County. Debbie has served as a member of the Leaders Board, Ambassador Advisor, and on numerous committees. Ed has been a longtime member of the Junior Livestock Committee, the Yuma County Large Animal Committee.
They have chaperoned Arizona 4-Hers to state and national events and have one of the most successful beef and veal clubs in Arizona. Their members have consistently been among the top exhibitors at the Yuma County Fair.
Ed has been quoted as saying that he "enjoys seeing the accomplishments of young people when they are given a task to develop a trade or skill. I just believe in 4-H. It teaches values, self-worth, responsibility, and dependability. It also teaches teamwork."
Ernest Warren Chilson
Ernest Warren Chilson was a charter member of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation and was awarded the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service "Extensionist of the Year." Before his death last June, he remained an active supporter of the 4-H program.
He was president of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, the Northern Arizona Cattlemen's Association, and a founding member of the Arizona Cattle Industry Research and Education Foundation. He was awarded the American Society of Range Management "Range Management Man of the Year." He managed and was a partner in the Bar T Bar Ranch from 1942 until his retirement.
Jim and Mary Faul
Arthur J. "Jim" and Mary Faul have given over 70 years of leadership and service to 4-H in Arizona.
A native of Canada, Arthur J. Faul first came to Arizona in 1916, living on a ranch at the foot of Tuzigoot National Park. Moving to the Coolidge area, he graduated from Florence Union High School. Following service in World War II, he returned to Millstone Ranch and married his wife of 48 years, Mary.
Mary and Jim's long-standing endowed scholarship fund with the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation has helped many 4-H members continue their education beyond high school. Their charitable contributions over the years have provided support to the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Pinal County 4-H, and the Ag Ventures program at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. In 2002, the Faul 4-H Learning Center was dedicated at the Pinal County Fairgrounds.
Jim has served for 33 years on the Pinal County Cooperative Extension Advisory Board with 31 of thos years as President. Jim Faul received the LIFETIME AWARD from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1995.
Everett and Cecilia Grondin
Everett and Cecilia Grondin began their terms in the El Chaparral 4-H Club as Swine leaders in the early 1970s. They served a number of years on the Pima County 4-H Leaders' Board as Swine Project Directors. Their influence was unifying. They brought the large stock leaders together and promoted the larger vision of 4-H youth development.
Cecilia also played a major role in "making the best better" while mentoring 4-H members as they prepared their 4-H record books. She encouraged them try harder to expand their projects outside the of the traditional 4-H year and to increase community service at the local, state, national and international levels.
Everett was one of the first Pima County volunteers in shooting education. Everett and Cecilia were volunteers for 20 years at camp. After their 1996 retirement from 4-H, they continued to assist the program as announcers at the annual 4-H Swine show and by helping at the auction. Upon Everett's death in 2002, a scholarship was established in his name for Pima County 4-H members. Their son, Everett, Jr. is continuing his parent's tradition as a 4-H leader.
Dorothy Johnson
Dorothy began her involvement in 4-H in 1975 when she was looking for wholesome activities for her children.
Dorothy has sponsored and taught a wide variety of projects to youth of Gila County. She has served as chaperone to Teen Congress in Tucson. She and her husband have helped organize and support summer camp programs around the state. Dorothy has served as President of the County Leaders' Council. She served for many years as the Gila County Fair 4-H Home Economics Superintendent. She has traveled to other counties to serve as a judge for the 4-H homemaking departments.
All of Dorothy's children were in 4-H and have served as 4-H leaders and three or the four are currently involved in 4-H around the state. Because of her, a third generation of Johnsons, her grandchildren, are growing up with 4-H being a way of life.
Bud and Justine Lemke
Bud and Justine are serving their 45th consecutive year as 4-H leaders. They have served as community club leaders, multi-project leaders, and members of the 4-H Council. They have three children that grew up in the 4-H program and remain active as volunteer leaders and as a County Extension Director.
They hosted an international farm youth exchange (IFYE) student from Israel. They have served on the county and state 4-H Leaders' Council. Justine organized an annual 4-H cake presentation to the Yuma Mayor during 4-H week.
Justine has also been a member of the Yuma Homemakers Club for more than 50 years. Bud located and restored the "Yuma County Bus;" a prized possession for years. It transported - and sometimes stranded - 4-Hers to camp, state round-up, and judging contests.
For 32 years, they have organized the 4-H BBQ. Bud is an ex-officio Junior Livestock Committee member and is at the fair each day to make sure the ring is ready and safe for youth and their animals. Bud and Justine have modeled the 4-H pledge for their three children, six grandchildren and countless 4-Hers in Yuma and La Paz Counties.
Nick Lipinski
Nick Lipinski has been a 4-H Rabbit Project Leader in Coconino County for 30 years. He has also led gardening, beekeeping, and poultry projects. Although not a 4-H member himself, Nick grew up raising rabbits and ducks with his parent's stipulation that any surplus would be consumed by the family.
He was introduced to 4-H when he was tapped as the rabbit expert for a local 4-H club. His first club, the Flagstaff Hoppers, produced two State Shield and Clover winners. Nick has been active on the 4-H Leaders Council and the Auction Committee. He recruited his wife, Connie, now a 23-year-leader, to work with 4-H. One of their first dates was to chaperone a group of 4-H members at the State Fair. Their children have continued the 4-H tradition. Nick continues to help, "Make the Best Better" in Coconino County.
Emma Malone
Emma Malone became involved in 4-H in 1957. She and husband, Frank, followed in his mother's footsteps as leaders. Their club had six National 4-H Congress Trip winners. Emma chaperoned the 1983 National 4-H Congress Arizona delegation. She was an Instructional Specialist for Navajo County from 1985 until 1991. When Frank passed away in 1995, Emma took a year off from 4-H. In 1996, she resumed her career and has been going strong every since.
Emma and Frank produced several Champion Clubs and two State 4-H Scholarship winners. Their club helped raise money for the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation at its 1970 inception. They started the Guide Dogs For The Blind project in Navajo County.
Judi Mann
In 1976 Judi and her family acquired horses. Someone said she should get involved in the 4-H program with her children, so she signed up and became a leader.
She has taught horse, swine, lamb, steer, clothing, cooking, home environment, photography and dogs in the past 26 years. She helped with the dual county horse camp with Graham and Gila Counties when it first started. She was on the State Horse Committee for 20 years for the State Fair Horse Show.
She has also been President, Vice President, and Secretary for the Gila County 4-H Leaders Council and served on the Gila County Advisory Board. Judi has been the Horse Superintendent of the Gila County Fair for the last 18 years.
She continues in the program not only to help her grandchildren, but because she believes in the message 4-H sends out to the children that are fortunate enough to belong to a club.
Ken McDonald
Ken began serving as a volunteer in 1971 when his daughter joined the Sierra Vista San Pedro Valley 4-H Club. He quickly become totally immersed in 4-H. In 1974 he was named the co-community leader. Ken was committed to finding leaders for all projects that members wanted. Ken has served as Project Leader, President of the County Council, member of the County Fair Board, Superintendent for small stock, fundraising coordinator, and Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation Representative. Ken and his wife Dotty, have participated in many State and Western Regional Leaders' Forums.
During county fair, everyone goes to Ken for answers in the small stock barn. He sets up first on "workday" and is among the last to leave. For 15 years he has made traveling plaques recognizing the champion award winners from the county fair. Ken also makes the 80 to 90 wood plaques for the annual Achievement Night Recognition program.
During his 31 years of service, Ken has freely given his time and talent to help many young people achieve their goals. His contributions have strengthened Cochise County 4-H and beyond.
Bill Piper
Bill Piper was a 4-H member as a young boy. In 1960, Bill and Posy became community leaders for the Elgin area Mustang 4-H Club. Since 1960, he has been a ring man at the county 4-H Livestock Auction. Posy has clerked the fair almost continuously since 1962. Bill was County Fair Chairman from 1962-1965.
Son, Tom, had his first steer in 1962. That began 12 years of intensive 4-H for the Piper family. Their grandchildren are also involved in 4-H. Tom was also a 4-H agent.
Bill became the rabbit and poultry leader for the Patagonia club in 1992. He served on the 4-H Foundation Board from 1987 to 1993. For two years, he has prepared the barbecue for the Santa Cruz County Fair 4-H Dinner.
In an essay on their 4-H work, Posy wrote, "we are hoping our great grandchildren will be able to participate in this wonderful program called 4-H. For teaching responsibility, work ethics, and accomodations to both winning and losing, there is nothing to equal it. That is why Bill won't give it up. He is 75 years old and is still a 4-Her.".
Cyndi Roer
Cynthia (Cyndi) Roer is a leader whose blood flows green! Cyndi lives in the small ranching and mining community of Wikieup, Arizona. She has served as a community club leader and a project leader in the beef, horse, dairy cattle, goat, cooking, sewing, arts & crafts, baby sitting, leather craft, back packing, and small engines project areas.
Cyndi served as camp cook for several years at the Mohave County 4-H summer camp. She recalls, "it was hard to get water to boil for spaghetti at an elevation of 8,000 feet when it was raining!"
Cyndi and her husband Bill Roer have five boys of their own who are either current or former 4-H members, ranging in age from 30 to 13. Cyndi says "she likes kids." Some of her most satisfying and rewarding experiences as a leader have been "seeing the kids develop during the year and seeing how proud they are when they win or lose (they are always winners if they try)."
Emil Rovey
Emil Rovey became the State 4-H Club Leader, a position he held for four years, in 1939. All nine of Rovey's children and most of his 31 grandchildren have participated in 4-H Youth Development.
Emil gave up his secure job to purchase 140 acres near Glendale to start a dairy. Emil developed the dairy into a herd of hundreds and added additional land to raise forage crops, as well as cotton. He also ventured into commercial poultry egg production and cattle ranching.
He and his wife Ruth accompanied the 1992 Arizona delegation to the National 4-H Congress. He was actively involved on the 4-H Youth Foundation Board of Directors for many years. In fact, since the Foundation was established in 1972, there has always been a Rovey on the board.
Donna Wahl
Donna began her 4-H career as a member on a Wisconsin dairy farm. In 1979, or perhaps earlier, she was a volunteer leader for the Tanque Verde Community 4-H Club in Tucson. Donna served wherever she was needed, as a project leader for gardening, photography, cooking, sewing, childcare, dairy, public speaking and rabbits.
The Rabbit Project was her source of her greatest enjoyment. She often gave rabbits to children to get them started. She would take time to visit them and help them with their animals.
Donna has designed and published the Pima County 4-H Calendar for more than fifteen years. She is a charter member of the Small Stock Auction Committee. She has been instrumental in initiating the Rabbit Advancement Project, 4-H Rabbit Classic, Cavy Invitational, and Quiz Bowl educational programs in Pima County.
Donna has used the 4-H Rabbit Project to promote youth development around the state and to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Her influence is seen through volunteers who are now in the program, who desire to be caring and supporting influences for all kids in the 4-H program.