Edward Allen Demko

On May 12, 2024 God authored Edward Allen Demko into the annals of American history. Ed began his journey November 7, 1938 in South Prairie, WA, born to Andrew and Doris Demko. He was the youngest of four children. He attended White River High School in Buckley, WA, graduating in 1956. Ed enlisted and served two years active duty in the Navy, honorably discharged in 1958. Ed eventually enrolled in the University of Washington studying history, a subject that fascinated him. He worked his way through college unloading produce at Safeway's Seattle warehouse. With a degree in history Ed became the first college graduate in his family. Later in 1971 Ed was conferred a Master's in History by Portland State University. But first, hired for the fall of 1965 at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, WA, Ed met fellow teacher Karen Kjack. Ed was smitten, and in July 1966 they married. In these early years Ed renewed his commitment to Christ and joined Columbia Presbyterian Church. He would later serve in lay leadership as a respected elder. In 1969 Ed and Karen welcomed daughter Staci. Two years later their family was complete with the arrival of son Brent. Summers brought family road trips to national parks and historic sites, gardening, and helping Karen in the kitchen canning. Year round Ed was a voracious reader devouring books. He was also an avid stamp collector. Ed gained a much loved second daughter when Brent wed Terry in 1994. In 1996 Ed retired from teaching after 31 years, all at Evergreen; not before though, having been department chair, starting the Advanced Placement program, and immortalized as the Voice of the Plainsmen, having announced all home football and basketball games, wrestling tournaments, and track meets. 'Mr. D.' invariably touched the lives of countless students. In 1998 Karen followed Ed into retirement and the travel bug hit with jaunts from the Arctic to Antarctic and many points between. Ed became a grandpa in 2002 and again in 2003 with grandsons Garrett and Jordan. Ed was beside himself with joy. Ed and Karen kept busy traveling, especially to visit the kids and grandkids in Toppenish, WA and San Diego, CA. They also found new pursuits with season tickets to theater and symphony. Ed had also joined the Civil War Round Table at PSU. Ed had truly been blessed but it would not always be bliss. In early 2015 Ed was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and by the end of the year it had progressed to Alzheimer's. Ed's memories began to fall away like the leaves of an autumn tree as he entered the winter of his life. Karen was ever present, educating herself to better help Ed, caring for him until associated physical impairments necessitated a move to a memory care facility in the first days of 2023. His 'Cutie' Karen visited him daily until his last. May Jesus have welcomed and proclaimed to him, 'Well done my good and faithful servant.' Ed is survived by his beautiful wife Karen, whom he loves eternally; his daughter Staci and son Brent (daughter-in-law Terry), his proudest accomplishments; grandsons Garrett and Jordan, whom he adored, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and staff and alumni of EHS classes 1966-96 (Go Plainsmen!). He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Virginia Webb, Joan Lawrence, and Roy Demko. Many thanks to the staff at The Hampton and Ashley Inn Memory Care Community, doctors and nurses at PeaceHealth, pastoral team at Columbia Presbyterian Church, HOPE Dementia Support, and all home health and hospice caregivers, friends and neighbors who contributed to the care and well being of Ed and comforted Karen as they navigated this most unpredictable of journeys. God bless. In lieu of flowers please direct your generosity to BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research, Columbia Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, or Evergreen Plainsmen Foundation. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2 pm, Columbia Presbyterian Church, 805 Columbia Ridge Drive, Vancouver, WA 98664. All are welcome.

Edward Allen Demko

November 7, 1938 - May 12, 2024