Thomas Edward DeMers

Thomas Edward DeMers, 79, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008, at his home in Ponderay.

A potluck celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Sandpoint.

Tom was born Oct. 6, 1928, in Eugene, Ore., to John J. and Ethel M. DeMers; he was the youngest of eight children.

Tom attended local schools until the eighth grade.

Tom met Jessie Jordan and they married on July 15, 1984.

He had many great qualities and those people that knew him understood a very caring and loving man. Tom had many interests and passions.

He enjoyed his horses and other animals that he always seemed to collect to give them better lives. Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends, and trail rides with his wife and friends. Tom's life covered many different occupations such as boxing, rodeo and logging.

His passion was singing and playing the guitar for family and friends. Tom's deep voice and talent as a guitarist made him so fun to be around.

He enjoyed parties and visits to the local manors to play for senior citizens. Tom played in many bands with many great local musicians and loved to play music with anyone.

Everyone who met Tom could not escape without knowing his wit and humor and everyone knew he could tell a good story. He held on to this special quality to the very end.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years in Ponderay; daughter Debbie (John) Noble of Kuna; sons Duffy DeMers of Kuna and David R. (Cindy) DeMers of Sandpoint; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Tom loved his family very much and was so proud of all their accomplishments. We will miss our father, uncle, husband and friend very much.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Visit Tom's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.