Douglas Fred Demaree, the beautiful boy of Gary F. and Amelia A. “Toots” Demaree was born in Billings, MT on July 17, 1960 and passed away on March 22, 2011.
Doug was a loving happy baby who grew into a playful young man with a great sense of humor. He loved laughing and joking with his friends and his cousins. One of Doug’s trademark pranks was to rubber band the sprayer on the kitchen sink and talk you into a glass of water, with obvious results. He enjoyed building model rockets and cars, doing Cub Scout projects, and later extravagant Vigilante Parade Floats with his friends.
Doug was educated in Helena, attending Bryant and Jefferson Schools. He lettered in track at Helena Junior High and Graduated from Helena High in 1978. In 1980, Doug enter the Coast Guard with his best friend Tim Larsen, where he served proudly for 4 years until he was injured. He was honorably discharged with full medical disability for his service. Doug spent many of his years exploring the
mountains around Helena. If you needed to know a back road or a short cut, he was your guy. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends, family, grandparents and cousins. Doug also made use of his beautiful surroundings as a skier in the winter, a frequent visitor to Big Sky, Bridger and Big Mountain.
Doug was an accomplished artist, usually preferring pencil although occasionally painting. He had several “Best in Show” ribbons from the fair to his credit. He was a music aficionado with eclectic tastes: rock to country, Doobie Brothers to Leanne Rhimes, he liked it all. He spent lots of time building his collection of CD albums and singles, listening to music for many hours.
Doug also was a great assistant to his parents in the landscaping around their house and the beautiful Christmas displays they built together in the winter. He loved his weekends in the spaces they created together, enjoying his fountain drink and a cigarette.
Doug was a proud and supportive member of Plymouth Congregational Church. He loved the congregation and chatting with friends after service over a cup of Russian Tea.
Doug passed suddenly but peacefully from heart failure in his room at Elkhorn Rehabilitation facility on March 22, 2011 where he had lived for the past 5 years. Doug was a staff favorite. He loved and appreciated the excellent care they gave to him and many of his resident friends. After many years of
fighting his schizophrenia, the voices are finally silent. Doug’s charm and warmth will be missed.
Doug was preceded in death by his dad, Gary, grandparents, and numerous relatives. He is survived by his momma, Amy “Toots” Demaree of Helena; his sister, Julia Demaree and her wife Anna Marie also of Helena; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Helena. A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Mountain View Cemetery in Billings. Please join the family for a reception at the Billings Masonic Center, 1101 Broadwater in Billings immediately following the graveside service. Memorials in Doug’s name may be sent to the Plymouth Congregational Endowment Fund, 400 S. Oakes, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Cathy Ward says
Amy, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I haven’t seen you for a long time but I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Blessings to you.
Dave and Lisa Lukenbill says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Let the Lord wrap you in his arms and help you through.
Denise Feller says
I was so sorry to hear of Doug’s death. I know what a loss this is for you. I enjoyed knowing Doug and have many good memories of the times we shared at Evergreen/ Elkhorn.
Donald Beckler says
Doug will always be a fellow Coast Guardsman, High School Classmate, and above all, a longtime friend. We had some good times for sure.
Erin & Scott Miller says
Julia: You are in our thoughts as you find your way though the loss of your brother. We are praying for your healing,with the passage of time.
May your pleasant memories
sustain and comfort you.
You are in our thoughts!
Jackie Dunbar says
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family!
Jerry Hutch says
Amy and Julie,
I am so very sorry for you loss.
Give eternal rest, O Lord, to the soul of your servant Douglas,who has departed this life and make his memory eternal.
Melody Schmidt says
Amy & Julia, I write this note with incredibly deep sadness. I haven’t seen or spoke with Doug in many years, but he left a true imprint on my heart. My sister Rita and Doug were high school sweethearts for (what seemed like) many years. He was a huge part of my young life and was like a brother. My whole family loved him. My best recollection of Doug is of an amazingly gifted artist, extreme boyish (yet mischievous) charm and a beautiful spirit. I met up with Doug again in the late 80’s after he had served our country and seemed sad yet still spirited…(if that makes sense?) He is truly one of Gods special children.
I wish you peace my brother…..peace
Roxanne Folger says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I have lost 2 brothers and it is really hard. Especially when they are your best friends. keep those memories close to your heart and they will always make your smile!!!
Love
Roxanne
(Anna’s niece
in Massachusetts)
Tim Larsen says
My condolences to the Demarees. Doug was a good guy and a good friend all the way back to our High School days. I am glad I got to see him in 2008 and speak to him on the phone on occasions. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, Doug.
Toni Kovach says
With All my love!
Brett Padbury says
Though this is very belated, the fact that I was searching for Doug so many years later (30) since I had last visited with him, shows just how far reaching his influence was. I often remember fondly the vacation we took to his grandparents’ motel in Gardiner. I love to tell the story of when he took us out to the hotpots in the river with the snow falling and elk passing by.
Again, he is remembered.