Charles Demarest "Big Papa"

Charles L. Demarest “Big Papa”, born September 12, 1924 passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Affectionately referred to as the “Sherriff of Laguna Acres” by his friends and neighbors, Charles Demarest passed away peacefully at his longtime home on Abiquiu Lake with his son by his side. Born to Charles Gerhart and Blanche (Lape) Demarest in Columbus, Ohio, Charles was a decorated veteran of the European Theatre during WWII. After the war he returned home to Ohio and began his career as a sheet metal worker, first as an apprentice then as a journeyman. In 1955 he moved his family to New Mexico working in Los Alamos, and recently received his 70 year pin award from the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.  In addition to Los Alamos he also worked abroad in Shiraz, Iran and as the sheet metal superintendent on the construction of the American Embassy in Moscow, Russia. After retirement he built his long-time home at Laguna Acres on Abiquiu Lake. He loved to spoil his grandchildren, hunt, fish, and explore the many back roads in Northern New Mexico. He also never met a cherry pie he didn’t like. In his lifetime he was witness to so many incredible advances in just about every aspect of everyday living, from microwave ovens (one of his favorites) to cellular phones (one of his least favorite). He lived a simple life where hard work was key and success was measured by the legacy he left behind. He is survived by daughter Linda Laitner, son John Demarest, grandchildren Michele Wolf and Dawna Sawyer, and great grandchildren Evan, Ashlynn, Peyton and Austin. We will always be thankful to “Big Papa” for demonstrating to us the value of hard work, and what it means to live life with integrity. Interment services to be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday September 22, 2016 at 11:15am. The family of Charles L. Demarest “Big Papa” has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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