Donald E. Demarest, longtime Hesperus resident, died of natural causes July 7, 2017 at Mercy Regional Medical Center at age 95.

Don was born April 10, 1922 in Englewood N.J. After high school graduation he worked at Tiffany's in New York City. He would eat lunch in Central Park and dream about living in the country, eventually leading him to Colorado.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, Don enlisted in the Army Signal Corp detached service to the 5th Air Force serving four years in the Pacific theatre. He was scheduled for the advance invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped.

Upon return, Don married Elma St. James. They followed their dream by moving to Hesperus in 1951, building the Canyon Motel and Coffee Shop (now Kennebec Cafe). They were welcomed to La Plata Canyon by Elma's parents and Elma's cousin Bill and Olga Little. To this union, a son James was born.

Don was active supporting tourism in the Durango area. He was past president of the Durango Motel-Hotel Association and vice-president of the Colorado State Motel Association in Denver. He helped build the original A-frame Chamber of Commerce building on North Main, cleared runs at Hesperus Ski Area, assisted in designating Highway 160 as the Navajo Trail, and more.

He was a location scout for 30 years for the California movie companies. He had the privilege of working on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Around the World in 80 Days, and many others. This was rich treasure for a consummate storyteller.

He worked as scout and guide for Louis L'Amour, becoming good friends with the family for 20 years. Louis dedicated the book, Over on the Dryside, "To Don Demarest, Companion of the High Country."

Don's greatest joy was his family. His wife Elma preceded him in death in 1971. He is survived by son James (Pat); grandson James (Elisa), great grandson, James Edward; granddaughter Kathryn Connor (Will), great grandson, George; and granddaughter Jennifer Kerns (Sean).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jul. 13, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Demarest

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

5 Entries

Debbie Dietsch

July 8, 2019

Don was a good friend and a real cowboy, you would notice him right away with that Cowboy Hat on. He was a historian and I loved listening to him talk about the old days in Durango. He knew everybody back in the day; Owners of banks, restaurants, hotels & gas stations. When he had his sign business in Durango he met a lot of people, but of course, I am sure this came from being on the Chamber of Commerce also.
Everybody loved Don.
I miss him every day!
Former Durango Resident, now in Alaska

Debbie

August 1, 2017

Don had so many stories to share and was writing a book. His family was #1 and always updating us on who was graduating High School or College, and where they were working.

I had a couple of favorite stories that he shared. My favorite was when he owned the sign company in Durango, (I believe in 1971 or 1972) he also delivered mail up LaPlata Canyon and was snowshoeing in and had to step over the power lines because the snow was so deep and lines sagging. I can see that. The other favorite story was when he & Louis Lamauer were taking a helicopter into Johnnies Hole for a book that he was writing. The camera man had taken a picture of Louis and actually caught a mountain lion in the background. They did have their firearms on them. They didn't waste any time getting out of there. This was a special one because I actually got to go there on a Wilderness Trip.
I lived in Duarngo for 22 years and later only 2 miles from Don and really do miss him. I now live in Alaska so it was harder to go visit him. He would love it when people would come by to visit.

I am going to miss those stories. Another story was when he was a scout for the movie business and he said that (Vacation) movie with Chevy Chase when he was dragging the dog tied to the bumper, accidentally of course, was actually filmed in LaPlata Canyon.

WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH!
Debbie Hicks Dietsch

July 17, 2017

Don was a great friend to the Byars and Bacus families. He'll be missed, and it's such a shame to lose more of those who helped make Durango what it was, and kept it going before it was discovered. We're sure going to miss that smile. Rena (Bacus) Cole, Rich and Steve Byars.

Candy

July 14, 2017

He did so many things for the community that no one will ever know. He was a family man. Don was a gentleman and widely respected by those who knew him.Rest in peace.

July 14, 2017

Don was one of the greatest people who have ever lived in human history. I will miss him greatly. He was a role model to me and I have modeled my life after him. Thanks for everything
Don. Wayne Tope

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