John Andrew Demmitt (1948-2024) was a knight-errant, and a true renaissance man. Born in Colorado Springs, he moved to Kremmling as a child with his parents, Troy and Betty, and his five siblings. Even as a child, he understood the value of hard work, as he grew up in a boarding home, tending to tasks assigned by his parents. Later, they turned the boarding home into the Gore View Hotel. As John attended school, he was immersed in every sport as well as the arts. John was in theater, band, baseball, basketball, and football. He was also the class president of his high school. His love for literature started in high school and it was not uncommon for him to quote Hemingway, Camus, Kerouac, Fitzgerald or Vonnegut. He named his first daughter, Camey, in honor of Albert Camus. He aspired to be a writer one day and would later in life try to bribe his children to read Hemingway any chance he got. John's love for music became a passion. He saved his money to purchase a drum set, which he proudly kept from his rock band days. Along with friends, he formed rock bands called the City Sewer System and the Other Half, that toured throughout Colorado and California. John had many groupies, one of which he married. John and Beverly were married for ten years and had three daughters, Camey, Tori, and Nickie, before moving to Greeley. John had many careers during his time in Kremmling. He worked in the ice plant, the sawmill, heavy equipment road construction, he owned two gas stations, and he was police commissioner for the town of Kremmling for a while. After moving to Greeley, he started working for Decor, Ltd. After purchasing the business in 1982, he turned the company into a commercial flooring business. John became known as having high expectations and standards in the industry. His integrity and relationships epitomized who he was as a person. His love for the arts only increased the older he became. John was a huge supporter of the Colorado Governor's Art Show. He grew an extensive art collection over the years, and he looked forward to adding to his personal gallery. John would share this passion with so many over the years. His greatest passion; however, was his love for his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his daughters and grandchildren, and of their achievements. Even up to the end, John wanted to make sure his family knew how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. John was surrounded by friends, employees, and his family in the last moments of his life. He left a mark upon so many throughout his life. John was an incredible person who will be dearly missed. John is survived by his three daughters, Camey, Tori, and Nickie, his son-in-law, Bo; his grandchildren, Drew, Kierstin, Kneko, Lidia, Mara, Aizik, Mia, and Kaily; and his great grandson, Kian. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made to the Colorado Governor's Art Show earmarked Scholarships. My father loved art in a way that mirrored his soul and celebrated passion. Governor's Art Show, PO Box 7768, Loveland, CO 80537. Checks can be made out to Thompson Valley Rotary Club Foundation. Money donated in my father's name will 100% go towards the scholarship fund. Thank you. A celebration of John's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 11th Avenue in
Evans, Colorado.
Published by Greeley Tribune on Jan. 24, 2024.