February 24, 1942 - January 3, 2021
Fred Demoskoff of Tarrys passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021. Fred was born February 24, 1942 in Nelson, BC and raised in Thrums. He was predeceased by parents Pete and Mary (Zebin) Demoskoff, brother Billy.
Fred met his future wife Barbara in 1967 and they married shortly after in 1968. In their vows, they said they would be together forever. The promise lasts until this day.
They raised 4 children: Fredrick (Rebecca,) Shelly, Jackie (Greg,) Debbie (Peter). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cody, Mikeala, Chelsey, Brooklyn, Ashley, Hayley, Maya and Hayden and brother Pete (Val).
Fred was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He would pull them with the tractor with them all loaded into the trailer. He would play Cops and Robbers; he would be the robber on the motorcycle and they would chase him on their bikes.
When he worked at the Revelstoke dam, the kids looked forward to the treats he always brought home. They would gorge themselves while watching Dukes of Hazard and Fred and Barbara would have some alone time.
Fred was the type of person to know everyone and spark a conversation with anyone within his path. A friendly and welcoming person who was always smiling. Once, while in Penticton, Fred was driving and caused a traffic altercation. Things were about to come to unsavory words when the other driver exclaimed, "is that you Fred?". Other times he would go to the bank to "quickly pay a bill" and an hour later he would still be out because he found someone to talk to.
Fred spent his proud working career as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He did heavy construction and worked for many places. Helped build the Revelstoke dam. He built roads, laid pipelines and drove Eucs, a car hauler and busses that took workers up the mountain to their jobs.
He had a passion for heavy construction and building things himself. He built his own home sawmill, engineered his own go-karts, and gazebo from scratch. When he was a child he built an airplane out of bedsprings (His father took it away before he could attempt to fly it).
Fred built the house he and Barbara lived in for 52 years. He was a very creative man and took pleasure in discussing any practical building and construction topics and would start a discussion whenever he had a chance.
In his youth, Fred loved to spend time with his brother Pete and his father picking wild berries, wild spinach and mushrooms. These memories always carried with him and he would often reflect fondly on them.
He spent his retirement traveling and exploring his love of playing bluegrass and old-time music. He taught himself guitar and violin and was currently learning mandolin. Singing and playing guitar was his favorite pastime and he would share this love with friends and family.
Farewell, Fred. Until we all meet again. Rest in peace to our loving husband, father, deda, uncle, and friend. We will never forget you. You will be dearly missed.
Thank you to all the staff at Kootenay Nelson Hospital. To leave a message of condolence for Barb and family please go to https://www.castlegarfuneral.com
Castlegar Funeral Chapel