Marty left his friends and family peacefully on June 29th. Marty was born on the Fort Belknap Reservation on September 3, 1962. He was raised in Malta, by his grandmother and father, where he served as an altar boy for the Catholic church while in grade school. Between his full blood Native grandmother and the nuns at the Catholic school he attended, Marty grew up with a very distinct code of right and wrong. He was an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa and was extremely proud of his Native American heritage.
After graduating from high school, Marty traveled around working different construction jobs. He eventually settled in Helena in 1998, where he stayed. In 2003, he met his soulmate, Debra. They spent the next 22 years together. She was by his side when he passed.
Marty worked doing construction for 41 years. Everything from pouring concrete to roofing, to building pole barns. Age and injuries finally got the better of him and he had to change vocations. He then worked for 3 years as a Security Officer at Carrol College, until his declining health forced him to quit and take early retirement. Marty enjoyed playing pool, horseshoes, and golf, but his great passion was fishing. His best days were those days spent on the water looking for fish. If he wasn’t fishing, you could usually find him at the local watering hole, “visiting with the fellas”. He always had a story to tell, and most of them started out with “This is a true story”. Whether or not it really was one of his many true stories, or just a tall tale made up on the spot, by the time the story was over, everyone within ear shot was laughing. Marty’s greatest gift was his ability to make people laugh, without trying too hard, but just by being himself.
Marty leaves behind his wife Debra, son Ernie Demarais, sister Melody (Louis) Fyant, sisters-in-law Dee Kougioulis and Connie Begger, brother-in-law Ford (Jennie) Davis, mothers-in-law Pat Davis and Pam Rodgers, along with several cousins, numerous friends and of course, fishing buddies.
Graveside services will be held on July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery. On Saturday, July 12th, a Marty Party will be held at Nichols Gaming Parlor at 2:00 p.m. for friends and family to share stories, swap memories, and remember that “This is a true story.”
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00am
Tuesday July 8, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00am
Tuesday July 8, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Judy says
Deb,
My deepest condolences; I really enjoyed his spirit when I met him. Sending you love and hugs my dear friend. He will be missed.
Kathy carlson says
This breaks my heart. I’m so happy he got to come down and spend a few days with Ernie. My thoughts are with you Deb. You are an amazing lady and thank you for taking such amazing care of Ernie.
Susan Hansen says
Dearest Deb, I’m so sorry to hear this. Susan Hansen (cousin)
Debbie Morrison says
Deb,
There aren’t any words that can adequately express my sincere condolences. May the love of family and friends help comfort you.