Thomas Edward DeMers, 79

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

A potluck celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Tom was born in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 6 1928, to John J. and Ethel M. DeMers and was the youngest of eight children. He attended local schools until the eighth grade. Tom 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 his other animals that he always seemed to collect to give them better lives. He 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 a boxing, rodeo and logging careers.

Tom's passion was singing and playing his guitar for family and friends. His deep voice and talent as a guitarist made him so fun to be around. He enjoyed outings to parties and visits to the local Manors to play for the 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 met Jessie Jordan and they were married on July 15, 1984.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jessie DeMers of Ponderay; a daughter, Debbie (John) Noble of Kuna, Idaho; two sons, Duffy DeMers of Kuna and David R. (Cindy) DeMers of Sandpoint; and 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. Please visit Tom's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.