On July 8, with his family by his side, Jon left this world peacefully to join his son’s side in Heaven. Robert Jonathan Demaray “Jon” was born on June 23, 1957 to Richard and Lora Demaray in Billings, Montana. He grew up in Billings until his mother accepted a job as being the director of the Follow through Program in Lame Deer. At the age of 12, he would begin spending his summers working on the LaFever Ranch near Kirby. He took on his grandmother’s love for horses as he would go onto helping break and train them. While attending high school at Colstrip Public Schools, he decided to get his GED and go off to Trapper Creek Job Corp. From there he went into the Indian Action Program to earn his certificate in welding. He then moved back to Billings and started working at Roscoe Steel. Some of his favorite memories would be spending time with his brothers. He often spoke of a time when they decided to jump in the Volkswagen Bug and take it up to the South Hills of Billings only to get it stuck in snow and have to make the trek back home barefoot. He enjoyed his time with his siblings while growing up. While working back in Billings he was introduced to the love of his life, Mary Ann. After dating for awhile, they decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona so Jon could help build the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant. Upon finishing up this job, Jon married Mary Ann and they decided to move back to Montana to raise their family. During this time he would start and complete his apprenticeship as a Pipefitter in order to turnout as a journeyman. He would work for Sarpy Mine, Bechtel, and refineries in Gillette, Wyoming before being employed by the Montana Power Plant in Colstrip. In 1996, he took the buyout and started traveling to the Conoco and Exxon Mobile refineries in Billings so he could help his father build his log cabin out on the family’s property on Blue Creek. He traveled to the Bakken in 2015. Upon returning, he would work in Colstrip for PPL and Talen Energy until he retired in September of 2019. He was a proud Union member of the Local 30.
He is preceded in death by his mother; Lora Demaray, son; Nicholas Demaray, son-in-law; Carlos Matthews, granddaughter; Carly Matthews, doppelganger; Brian Dennehy and childhood dog; Yankee.
He is survived by his wife; Mary Ann Demaray, children; Freeland Demaray, Stefanie Matthews, Michael(Amy) Demaray, Eva(Kodie) Bernard, daughter-in-law; Rosemary Demaray, grandchildren; Jayda, Erica, CJ, Victoria, Logan, Hazel, Carter, Abby, Holden, Kiersten, Audrianna, Kylie, Emma, Chloe, father; Richard Demaray, brothers; Richard(Terri) Demaray, Ron(Peggy) Demaray, Dan(Kris) Demaray, Robin(Lynda) Demaray, sister; Laurie(Roger) Bruckner, and various nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. Jon was a hard worker and provider for his family. He made sure his family never went without. He will be greatly missed by all which leaves a void in all of our hearts that can never be filled.
Per Jon’s wishes, a casual memorial service will be held under the pavilion in Obert Rye Park in Colstrip on Friday, July 30 from 4-6pm. Please come share your favorite memory of him with us.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lame Deer Indian Health Service, the Emergency & UCC Unit of Billings Clinic, and Advanced Care Hospital for taking care of Jon and making him as comfortable as possible.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Montana Division of the American Cancer Society. The Demaray family wishes to thank the Colstrip, Lame Deer, and Lima Communities for all of their support.
A memorial Service will be held on July 30, 2021 at Rye Park in Colstrip, Montana. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com .
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SHELLY HOLUM says
Sending prayers to the family
Steve Perusich says
So sorry for the loss of this fine Gentleman. Sending prayers and blessings to the family. I had the honor of working with him and will always remember the great times I had working along side of him.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Marilyn Watson says
Sending prayers of peace and comfort to your family. John was a wonderful kind man. He will be missed.
Sheri Nygren says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Marlin, Lynette & family says
So sorry for your loss MaryAnn and family. You are all in our prayers.
Ryan Miller says
Jon was a great journeyman to all his coworkers and apprentices I went through the apprenticeship program at Colstrip where Jon worked. He was always patience and encouraging with us always giving us that smile even when we messed up. Jon was a hard working knowledgeable journeyman who never waisted time or energy on moving backwards. Jon is one of the last of a dying bread of journeyman that our local will truly miss RIP Jon
Earlene Teeth Clown and family says
Mary Ann,
Condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Bernadette Johnson says
Condolence to the family and auntie maryann, it you need anything call me plz
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Condolences to all of Jon’s family. May you find comfort in all the memories you made together. Hugs
Susan (Sanders) Davis says
Prayers for strength and hope to meet again for the family.
Mick, Jo Brady says
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. He was a wonderful, quiet, thoughtful man with a big smile.
Maryann Russell says
Mary Ann Condolences
Todd Allen Deering says
I was lucky to be able to work with Jon, a top notch craftsman. He has all my respect as a person,work partner, friend and Union brother. He will be greatly missed.
Bonnie Bigback says
Mary Ann and family, my deepest condolences to you all. Words fail to do much of anything for one but There is one who knows this pain gives true comfort to broken hearts. I pray you and yours will find the healing and deliverance of the Lord Christ Jesus. May he give you peace, strength and the wisdom for the upcoming times that lay before you.
Judy Harris says
Rest in Peace, Jon. Deepest condolences to the family.
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
Mary Ann, holding you and your family close in thought and prayer. May all your fond memories place a smile on your face.
Bob Papin says
Mary Ann and Family
My condolences on your loss of Jon. I always enjoyed visiting with him when he would stop in at the union hall,
he always had a smile no matter how he felt. Jon was an honorable man, hard worker and a big asset to UA Local 30. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Mary Ann, Mike, Eva, Freeland, Stefanie and families,
We are so sorry for the loss of Jon. He was a kind and quiet man. We are thinking of you and holding you in our thought. Rich, we are also sorry for the loss of your brother. \
Love, Hugs and Prayers
Carla Yates says
Dear Ronny, We all will be praying for you and your family family. May your fond memories bring you comfort and joy during your time of loss. Love Cousins Michael and Carla Yates 🌺🙏💖
Judy A Ross says
MaryAnn so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Samuel Sneed says
Jon was a great man! He was a good journeyman and would go on journeys. He taught me about being a journeyman and doing all I can. I will miss Jon and sad he is gone! RIP my friend
Deb McClaren says
My heart is breaking for you all. Prayers for your healing hearts.
Corrina Horn says
I was so sad to hear the news of Jon’s passing. He was one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met!
Condolences to Mary Ann & family ~
Cynthia (Susie) Pritchard (DC) says
To Ron and Peggy. May prayer and condolences along with many fine memories be your comfort during your family loss of seemingly a beautiful family member. May God lead and guide you as you journey on. God Bless you cousins.
monty erickson says
Mary Ann, Mike and family; Jon was one of a kind . the most loyal hard working man I have ever known .
also Jon was my friend. I am proud to have known him. So sorry for your loss. God be with him . Monty and Irene Erickson
Jim Bonogofsky says
Mary Ann and family…
So sorry for your loss. Jon was a good friend of mine. He was always a pleasure to be around. Anybody who got to work for him or with him was really lucky. He will be deeply missed.
Kathleen Beartusk says
I have always thought and always will see you, Jon and your family as “GOOD PEOPLE.”
Matt Erickson says
Mary Ann and family, I have only know Jon for 15 years but from the first day I met him he was a mentor and friend. He was always proud of his family and would tell me me about kids and grandkids. I will miss him and his quiet one liners.