William Herbert Demmons

William (Bill) Herbert Demmons

William (Bill) Herbert Demmons, born on August 1, 1932, in Missoula, MT, to Herbert and Aafje (De Wit) Demmons, passed away on July 16, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.

Bill spent his formative years in Bonner, MT, fly- fishing on the banks of the Blackfoot River and backcountry skiing in the surrounding hills. He attended Missoula High School from 1946 to 1950. Bill got his first summer job with the US Government in the Coeur d' Alene Forest at the age of 15 where the Forest Service supervisor told him "you can stay if you can do the work." He did the work every summer for the next three years. In 1950, Bill entered the University of Montana and paid for his tuition, books, food and lodging by working nights at the Bonner sawmill and summers as a smokejumper in the US Forest Service. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954 and entered the US Army as a second lieutenant (ROTC) serving in Germany until 1957. After returning to Missoula, Bill and several other smokejumpers were recruited by the CIA to coordinate the drop of supplies and personnel into Tibet. That work led to a diverse and adventurous career with the CIA that took him all over the world until he retired in 1979. After retiring from government service, Bill transitioned to a successful career as a land and ranch realtor with Lambros Real Estate in Missoula, MT.

In 1960, Bill met Sharon Annette Orr at a summer barbeque when stopping for a visit in Missoula on a return trip from the Far East. They married on June 9, 1961 and over the next 62 years together built a life and family filled with love and laughter, until her death in 2023. Together, they raised three daughters: Laura, Andrea, and Lisa. Bill was also a proud grandfather to his grandson, Greyson, whom he taught to fish on the same river Bill grew up on.

Although Bill and Sharon retired to Green Valley, Arizona in 2000, they would return to Montana annually and spend time in the Blackfoot and Ovando valleys that Bill loved. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a recent acquaintance, Bill always shared a twinkle in his eye that made you feel like you were co-conspirators in life. With a little time and a glass of Maker's Mark, he would treat you to his rendition of "Don't Fence Me In," a recital of "Strawberry Roan," or one of his own, eyeroll-inducing, Dad jokes that had you laughing solely because of the way he cracked himself up. He was beloved by his family and many friends, who will remember him for his warmth, kindness, honor, integrity and the countless cherished memories shared over the years. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by Sharon and his siblings, Jack and Donna (Karr). He is survived by his daughters, grandson and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for both William "Bill" and Sharon (Orr) Demmons will be held in Missoula, MT, in September 2024.