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John DEMAKAS Obituary
A practicing physician for more than 50 years, he served in many capacities including membership in multiple neurological societies and boards. He held various chairmanships including Medical Director, Chief of Staff, and Chief of Surgery. He was instrumental in bringing the first radiosurgery/therapy unit to Spokane in 1996 following that with the more precise Gamma Knife in 2002. John was an amazing man whose life extended far beyond his brilliance as a surgeon. A lover of athletics, he was a team physician for local high school and university teams as well as for the United States Boxing Team. His passions and talents were vast: music, art, cooking, wood turning, traveling, and the continual pursuit of knowledge filled his days - but his primary passion was for the betterment of others; this passion was limitless and we are all better people because of John. The gifts of love, wit, generosity, and compassion he gave to his family, friends, colleagues, and patients are eternal and will never be forgotten.
John is survived by his wife, Ann (née Byers), daughter Carrie (Dan), son Vince (Tammy), daughter Adriana (Paul), step-sons Tyler (Analee), Joe (Shelby), Ryan (Crissy), and 16 amazing grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, James (27), and his grandson, Micah (3).
John's family is incredibly grateful to the staff of MultiCare Deaconess hospital for the wonderful care he received during his final days. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Shriner's Hospital or Union Gospel Mission in Spokane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DEMAKAS
Liliane Perez
January 3, 2025
Always will remember Dr. Demakus for his kindness during my low back surgery in 2009.
Steve & Joyce Nobles
April 26, 2024
God's Peace be with Johns family. John started as our daughters doctor then became a longtime family friend. John will be forever missed and will always be in our hearts
Carla Wesson
March 10, 2024
To his family and friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was so saddened to learn of his death. Dr. Demakis made an amazing difference in my life and many others. He was my surgeon for two brain surgeries. He was kind, always smiling and ready to answer my questions and assure me of my choices. He was the finest of human beings. He holds a special, unforgettable place in my heart.
BJ Flowers
February 13, 2024
To Dr. Demakas's family, my heart felt condolences to you for the loss of your loved one. Dr. Demakas performed my back surgery replacing my L5/S1 disc. To this day, I am so grateful for his care that I received. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing.
Dick Myers
November 2, 2023
My doctor? Yes, thank God!
But so much more... a friend immediately after the first handshake! Always with the right advice. Always available. Always with a smile. Now, Always in my heart as one of the finest gentlemen in my life.
Thank you, John. RIP with God and your son.
Colette Barnett
November 1, 2023
Dr. Demakas operated on my son who was born with spina bifida, I'll always remember before his detethering surgery he saw him coming down the hall and was so excited to see him because he thought he was Santa Clause he'd run up to him to hug him every time. Rest in peace Dr. Demakas you will be missed
Freddie Morales
August 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of the best Doctor I have ever had. He fixed my neck and now I can ride my Harley. Ride with the angels Dr. Demakas. You will be sincerely missed.
Charles A. Byrne
July 18, 2023
Doctor Demakas performed a challenging operation for an aneurysm on on me in April 1982 which saved my NAVY career as well as providing a good life. A few years back I had the occasion to visit an eye clinic in Guatemala where the Doctors and staff there were from the Spokane area and when I mentioned his name they had wonderful things to say of his professional abilities as a doctor and as a friend they knew. My deep and sincere condolences to the family. I believe that the medical world will miss him as will all who knew him.
Kathleen Thompson - grateful patient.
June 13, 2023
He was my surgeon on two occasions. The last one in 2010, he came in to talk before I had to be prepped for surgery. He came into my room in leathers and his motorcycle helmet under his arm. It nade me smile and took my anxiety level way down. Wonderful physician! My prayers for him and his family.
Karen Ireland, MD
June 11, 2023
I was shocked to just learn of Dr. Demakas's death. Our paths first crossed in 1964 in inorganic chemistry at Gonzaga, both of us premed students. We survived the next 4 years and both went on to medical school in different locations. In 1998 I joined InCyte Pathology in Spokane and found out that he was a well known neurosurgeon there. I only heard good things about him over the next 11 years. We conversed a few times about various patients. I retired in 2009 and moved to Yakima. I knew John was continuing to practice; he loved it so much. My sincere condolences to his family. He loved and lived life intensely.
Nancy McGillen
May 13, 2023
So very sorry and sad to hear of Dr. Demakas passing. He was an amazing surgeon and friend. Spokane has lost an incredible physician and invaluable community member. My condolences to his family.
Terry Weiss
May 11, 2023
The Good Doctor performed two surgeries on me and two on my wife. I joked with him on his many blue collared hobbies and his Harley riding. I told him I may not be done with yet and want those sausage like fingers to get injured. I heard he was famous for his stitching. I have met so many people that he has saved over my years in Spokane. There is a huge empty place in my heart and in the medical community. Good Bye Doctor.
CynthiA L Avey
May 2, 2023
I was his patient back in 1998-2003 He did my LS5 x2 surgery and did a excellent job for haven´t had to see him since 2003 was the last time I saw him, he had very good bedside manners and sad he passed away to His family that I send my condolences.
Mike H Deerheim
April 24, 2023
Dr demakas was the best. Thank you for everything that you´ve done for me and everyone that was your patient.
Stephen D Carlsson
April 24, 2023
He was an amazing Doctor and I considered him to be my friend He will be missed and I will miss him till the day I move on
RIP Doc
Dick Myers
April 10, 2023
Not just a doctor, a friend, an advisor, a leader, a REAL MAN among men! I will miss him as a brother.
Lindsey Bailey
March 31, 2023
Dr. Demakas wanted to share his knowledge with those who were willing to put in the work. He allowed me to shadow him on multiple occasions with the Gamma Knife. He is the reason I´m becoming a neurosurgeon. I´m still in the denial stage because we were planning the next time for me to shadow last month. You were a great leader and mentor. Thank you.
Debbie Hemmerling
March 23, 2023
Dr. Demarcus did my first cervical surgery on my neck and then again in 2007 teen was there again for my neck problems. He was wonderful and a kind man and when my mom had cancer he did gamma knife and remembered who she was when I talked about her with him. I´m just so shocked that he was taken so early but I guess God needed him more. I´m sorry for your loss a great man and a great surgeon
Jeffry Mancheni
March 21, 2023
What a great man and friend. I remember spending time working out with him at Georgios. and watching Prep football games with him. When I broke my back, he put me in a turtle shell and nick named me Manchenitello!!! A great men that gave of himself and will never be forgotten.. RIP Dr. John
Jackie Hall
March 14, 2023
Dr. Demakas was so kind, when I took over my position he was the Credentials chair at Deaconess Hospital. He was easy to be around and always willing to tell a story. He shared with me his love of wood working and spending time at his cabin which was not too far from mine. He also came in and volunteered for the Ables program to which my son attends. He made a lasting impression wherever he went, he will be terribly missed.
Susan Bradley
March 9, 2023
I had been a patient of Dr. Demakas since 2003 when he began monitoring me for a brain condition. In 2012 I called him because of strange new symptoms. He sent me immediately to Deaconess ER where they discovered a brain tumor that turned out to be cancerous. My husband and I were shocked and terrified. Dr. Demakas came to see me that evening, though I didn´t expect him because I knew he wasn´t on call then. When he appeared in the ER in a red flowered Hawaiian shirt and jeans I felt rescued right then. He saved my life with his excellent surgical skills and a Gamma Knife treatment. I am so grateful for his kind and skillful care. He always remembered me and my husband at the follow-up visits and was so caring. We are so saddened at the loss of this wonderful man and brilliant doctor. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family. Thank you for my life, Dr. Demakas. Rest In Peace.
Lora L Jasman
March 8, 2023
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of John, a wonderful colleague, who was kind, caring, generous and inspiring. My prayers and condolences go out to the family. He will be greatly missed.
Gail Demakas O'Brien
March 8, 2023
I was so sad to learn of my cousin's passing. I remember going to Spokane many, many years ago and him welcoming us to his home and taking us out to dinner. Such a wonderful man. Rest in peace Johnny.
Michael t DeTemple
March 7, 2023
My most favorite and fondest memory of Dr. Demakas was when he came to see me after I had woken up from surgery. He was wearing an Hawaiian themed shirt blue jeans and chaps. For me I knew I had found the best doctor in the world. He loved life, caring for people, and riding his Harley whenever he could. Although i didn't know him outside of our patient client relationship, every time we met he had a smile on his face, he listened and treated me with respect. Despite me not know a lot about him personally, I do know it's a great loss to us and the community with his passing. He will surely be missed. Rest in Peace Dr Demakas thank you for the privilege to have know you.
Deborah Stubbers
March 7, 2023
Condolences to his family. He was my husbands surgeon for his first back surgery. He did amazing work. RIp
Wendy D.
March 7, 2023
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Demakas' passing. I first met him when he'd only been in Spokane about 6 months when I had a serious complication from a rare disease I have. Dr. Demakas performed a less invasive surgery but couldn't get to the area he needed to in my skull. He dropped all of his charges for the procedure. Several years later, he performed a successful surgery on my skull. When I needed another surgery, he told me he could not put a qualified team together here in Spokane and referred me to Seattle. His honesty, kindness, grace, huge heart and passion for helping others made him stand out in Spokane. The fact that I could call him my dr always gave me so much pride. I saw him out and about a couple years ago, and we had a great visit. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace dear Dr. Demakas.
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
Todd LaValley
March 2, 2023
In 2017, I had a great privilege to meet Dr. Demakas. I had successfully completed the very first Alaskaman Extreme Triathlon. Before the race and throughout, I felt severe pain in my neck and shoulder and had no sensation in my right arm and leg. Dr. Demakas determined I needed surgery right away to fix my injured neck. I was really worried that I would never be able to pursue my passion for extreme races, but he allayed my fears with his expertise. His enthusiasm to help me with his skills was firmly based on what he has accomplished for others prior to me. After surgery, I found it hard to heal and become strong again, yet each time I encountered him, he had a fiery passion that was so infectious. He gave me the strength to keep pushing for my goal of taking part in extreme races. After surgery, and three years of intense effort and dedication, I was able to complete the first-ever Iceland Extreme Triathlon in 2021. It was one of the most challenging races ever created and I was one of the select few to have conquered it. I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr Demakas and will always be thankful that our paths crossed.
Kalelia Johnson(Palm)
March 1, 2023
He was a great man he did my first brain surgery as an emergency because my body ignored his initial plan of doing it later. He made such a scary thing easier as a 10 year old especially waking up completely paralyzed on my left side he was there every step of the way. I wouldn´t be alive today and finally being able to be a mom to a now 3 year old. My condolence to the family he was the best teddy bear dr ever. RIP sir you will be missed by many
B.Weidemann
March 1, 2023
My son had terminal cancer that had metastasized to his brain. He had the gamma knife treatment in 2007 that provided him a better time that he had left with his kids. Thank you for your helpful treatment.
Joy
March 1, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Breanna Wilder
March 1, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Demakas when I worked at MultiCare Neurology. He was so kind, and down to earth. He would sit and have genuine conversations with staff. So sad to hear of his passing. He was a great doctor.
Danelle Brown
March 1, 2023
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Demakas. He was one of the best neurosurgerons in Spokane. He was kind to his patients and also to the nurses he worked with. RIP
Daniel Dami
March 1, 2023
John was one of the first individuals I met after coming out of school and moving to Spokane. Wonderful man and Surgeon. I have known him for 35+ years and he blessed us all. Prayers for the family. We will miss him greatly.
Barbara Peters Sink
March 1, 2023
Farewell my childhood friend. I remember the fun times....
Washington State
March 1, 2023
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Vivian and John
February 28, 2023
We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the passing of our dear cousin John.
We are grateful for the times spent together through the years. Sending our sincerest condolences to Anne and all the family.
Dr John will be truly missed.
Holly
February 27, 2023
What a loss for his family as well as Spokane. He was such a caring man with a huge heart. Saying goodbye is truly hard.
Sharon
February 27, 2023
This Sadden my Heart hearing about John´s passing. My Condolences to all of his Family. John was such an Amazing Man and so gifted. He always made ya feel so welcome and Respected! He is going to very missed!
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
N. Roger Cooke
February 27, 2023
John was an outstanding neurosurgeon. He was pleasant to consult with, and we shared many patients in my career here as a neurologist. I'll miss him.
Roger Cooke, M.D.
Shelly
February 27, 2023
John and his family recently moved to a house on my street. When I first met John, it was like he was walking. Meet me to the neighborhood versus the other way around. Thoughts and prayers are with his family
Elda Jean Sutton
February 27, 2023
I knew John through work at Sacred Heart , I took care of many of his patients after surgery. He was always kind to me and to his patients.
allie j
February 27, 2023
Thank you for raising such an amazing daughter. You were always a light everytime I saw you. Praying for you all.
Stephanie Johnston
February 26, 2023
Dear Ann - I am so sorry for your loss - you made him so happy- Clif died 12/3/22 - I will be praying for you my friend
Tammy
February 26, 2023
A very talented DR. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace
Robert Kibling
February 26, 2023
Thank you Dr. Demakas for doing a number of repairs to my body so I could stand and walk. RIP.
Jim Arnold
February 26, 2023
John saved my life with his brilliance and unequaled abilities. His surgery took me from not being able to function to a pain free active life. I feel blessed to have known him and received his excellent care. R.I.P. and thank you for my life.
Sue Blethen
February 26, 2023
I was saddened to hear of the loss of this wonderful man! My husband was treated by John, and absolutely loved and respected him....he was one of the few docs, post Covid, that would actually shake our hands. Gentle, caring and ready to listen, he will be a huge loss for the medical community. Please accept me wishes for God´s peace for your family, Sue Blethen
Ronald Grogan
February 26, 2023
John was a Rock Star! A Great Surgeon who always remembered you every time he saw me. Great caring talented man. RIP John. Thank you for being you.
Matthew Ymer
February 26, 2023
Rest in peace Dr. Demakas...
Yet another great surgeon I knew from my years of working in the Surgery Department at Sacred Heart. He was always so nice to me, called me by name, with a big smile. When I lived on the south hill I would bump into him at the stores when shopping. There would be some mornings I would be having a bite to eat and he would come sit with me. I enjoyed his company, a genuinely great person!
Connie
February 25, 2023
I enjoyed taking care of him in valley ER. It was a pleasure and honor to care for him and get to know him. His passing broke my heart. There´s a special place in heaven for you Doc.
Terri Scoble
February 25, 2023
I knew John for 23 years. He has known both of my children their entire lives. John was an incredible human being whose kindness knew no bounds. He was a brilliant surgeon and an even more brilliant friend. I will miss him every day and will always treasure the beautiful friendship we had.
Jacqueline
February 25, 2023
John Demakas was like an uncle to me, he was the first one to hold me when I was born and I remember watching and playing with his dog Leo as I grew up he will be missed so much
Crystal Sanborn
February 25, 2023
Although my husband and I only had the pleasure of knowing John as a neighbor and friend for a few short years, he was truly an amazing generous and kind person. He understood the fight that my husband has with Parkinson´s disease and went out of his way to encourage and inspire my husband to keep up the fight. His warm and generous spirit will serve as an inspiration for all who knew him. Be kind. Be generous. Be thankful for the gift of life and enjoy those moments with those you love. My heart and condolences goes out to Ann and both of their children and grandchildren.
Lawrence Vorndran
February 24, 2023
As a Therapeutic Radiological Physicist I began working with Dr. DeMakas in 1995 when he was performing gliadel- I-125 implants for brain tumors. He was the type of doctor to step out of the "norm" to try to save a patient who had little or no hope. For the last 20 years we worked together with Gamma Knife. His specialty was treating patients with Essential Tremors. Needless to say he helped many patients with severe motor function disorders who I am sure are grateful to this day for him.
Ruthie Hurley Demakas
February 24, 2023
It is amazing to have lost such a special man so soon. He was a treasure from a wonderful family. So sorry for your loss.
Dick Sayre
February 24, 2023
I feel so sad to learn of John´s passing. I feel sad for myself, for his family, for his colleagues and for all the people he touched in life. Knowing John, I feel especially bad for his wife and children. He was bigger and kinder than life. You will hear many stories of his selflessness as you walk this very hard path. I have many. From riding Harleys to a trip to Stenum, Germany for surgery performed by John for no fee. He knew where the `parts´ I needed were, and off we went to get them. He was a kind, principled, funny genius who loved everyone he worked with. He changed my life for the better and I shall miss his laugh and kindness. Godspeed John. They must need a new head of neurosurgery in Heaven. You are the right man for the job, my friend.
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