AJ (Albert John) Demaris, Jr. September 1, 1944 - July 22, 2018

AJ Demaris, a strong, wise, Godly man and gregarious friend to many, left this Earth to walk with his Heavenly Father on July 22. His passing was sudden, as he was doing what he enjoyed, out irrigating his pastures under the big Central Oregon sky. Being a natural leader, thoughtful teacher and caring man, always ready to assist anyone however he could at a moment's notice, AJ will be very missed by those his path crossed, and especially his family and friends.

AJ was born Albert John Demaris, Jr. in Redmond, on September 1, 1944, to Ab and Margaret Demaris, and a dear brother to Donna Shelby, Bobby Demaris, and JB Demaris. Graduating from Sisters High School he was inducted recently into the Hall of Fame as an accomplished three-sport athlete and played in the 1961 Shriners All-Star Game as starting quarterback. He married his high school sweetheart, Ginger D. Faris, September 19, 1964, and celebrated 53 years of adventure together this past year.

It has always been AJ & Ginger/Ginger & AJ, rarely one without the other. Together they created a little family with loved children Tracy Thille, Jeff Demaris and Elizabeth Demaris. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in biology their life included living at fish hatcheries around Oregon during AJ's career with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. This 33-year path ended with his retirement from Portland headquarters in 2000.

AJ and Ginger moved to their property in Central Oregon and accomplished AJ's dream of being a rancher and farmer, with cattle, chickens and a lot of farm implements. Here they became active in the Highland Baptist Church, with AJ teaching adult Sunday school for several years and heading up the senior activities as tour director.

Being a self-led person, AJ taught himself how to do many things in life. A few of those projects include building an aluminum-weld drift boat, hosting a few hives of honeybees, raising cattle, tying flies, bow hunting, playing the guitar and, recently, playing the banjo. His interests included hunting, tracking and searching for where to hunt, loading bullets, perusing estate sales and auctions, collecting really collectible paraphernalia, being with family, being with friends, being on his tractor, working his farm and having animals come running to him when the feedcan shakes: deer, cattle, and chickens; and recently learning to fly his fancy new drone around the property.

He loved to support and cheerlead for his children in their sports events, their projects and endeavors, and was especially proud to get to do the same for his grandchildren Torrey Thille, Mason Demaris, and Lauren Demaris.

At the request of the family in lieu of flowers, please just pass it forward: Next time you see someone in need, follow AJ's example and lend a hand.

A Celebration of Life was held on July 28, at the Highland Baptist Church.