Buster Wiles, Longacres Official, Dies At 79

RENTON - Buster Wiles, a well-known horseman who served as placing judge in the winner's circle the past 15 years at Longacres racetrack, died yesterday following an extended illness.

Wiles, 79, died at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland, Ore. After finishing last season, he returned home and did not return to his familiar post as placing judge this season.

Born in Caruthersville, Mo., he was a Hollywood stunt man before he began his career at Longacres in 1956. He doubled for actors such as Errol Flynn, George Raft and Alan Ladd and was selected to the Hollywood Stunt Man's Hall of Fame. Last year he co-authored a book about his life in Hollywood titled ``My Days With Errol Flynn.''

Wiles worked as a jockey's agent before becoming a track official. As a placing judge, he watched for fouls and handled claims always with his well-known sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Donalda, daughters, Carole and Laura and his son, Don Buster. Services are pending.