Obituary of Richard Paul DeMars

Richard Paul DeMars, a husband, father, grandfather and fisherman died peacefully on Saturday, September 12^th at 3:09 pm. His wife, daughter and son were holding his hand as he passed.

Richard is survived by his children, Michele DeMars and Paul DeMars, his grandchildren Henry Douglas DeMars and Trevor Paul DeMars, his older brother Jon DeMars and younger sister DeVere Jackson. He is predeceased by his younger brother Steven DeMars and younger sister Cindy Forbes.

Richard, or as he was known, Dick, was born in Staples, Minnesota on December 5^th, 1942. He joined the Army in 1960. Dick met his wife of 56 years, Charlene Jane DeMars, in 1964, they would eventually marry on January 8^th, 1965. He got a kick out of how he and his wife, Dick and Jane, were introduced by their friends Ken and Barbie. As a young couple they climbed Mt. Adams together. A love of hiking was something they shared throughout their marriage. They would remain happily married for 56 years until his death. He was graced with the birth of his daughter on June 15^th, 1967 and then his son on September 3^rd, 1969. His grandsons were born respectively on February 8^th, 1988 and November 10^th, 1996. Dick retired from the military after about 25 years. He comanaged a pizza parlor, Mr. D’s in Sandy, Oregon, with his wife while attending Mt. Hood community college where he earned an associate’s degree in Fisheries Technology. After graduating, he managed a salmon hatchery in remote Alaska. The hatchery, on Baranof Island, could only be reached by float plane or boat. He and his wife spent five years there. From his childhood he had a passion for fishing which led to being a fishing guide at Katmai Lodge in Alaska. After their adventures in Alaska, Dick and Jane returned to Oregon and eventually spent six years traveling and exploring the National Parks between Oregon and Arizona in an RV. He often worked as a camp ground host during this period and also worked at East Lake in Oregon during the summers, a job that allowed him to fish often. He and Jane spent their 50^th wedding anniversary in Hawaii, his children and grandchildren were with them. After living in Bend, Oregon for five years he returned to Portland, Oregon in 2015 so he could spend more time with his children and grandchildren. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in March of 2019.

Dick was a devoted husband and father. Patient, reliable and kind, he was the calm presence his family sought during difficult times. A genuine and good man, there was no meanness or anger in him. He was non-judgmental and openminded, accepting those around him for who they were. He was warm, outgoing and made lasting friendships.

Dick was not a religious man, he believed we live on through the memories of those we leave behind. If that is true than he is certainly already belted into his waders, leaning into the current of a cold and clear stream, casting to those big fish that come out at what he called the magic hour, the hour just before the sun goes down, his Murphy dog waiting patiently for him on the shore. This may be his magic hour, the night may be falling on him, but for now, he lives on through those of us who loved him most.

Due to the pandemic a service is not scheduled at this time but a gathering will be held at some point in the future.

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