Clifford "Wayne" Demaris

Clifford “Wayne” Demaris, 89, a lifelong resident of Prineville, passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2026, from complications of influenza.  Wayne’s roots in Central Oregon ran deep. His grandparents crossed the plains by covered wagon in 1865, settling first in Walla Walla, Washington, where his grandfather, John Henry Demaris, was born. In 1876, the family moved to the Mill Creek–Steins Pillar area east of Prineville and began ranching. Around 1895, John Henry purchased the Compton Mill on Mill Creek, partnering with Henry Birdsong. It became known as the Birdsong–Demaris Mill, one of the area’s earliest logging and milling operations, powered in part by a water wheel. The Demaris family played a significant role in the early timber industry of the region.

Wayne’s father, Charles “Jess” Demaris, worked alongside his father from a young age and later took over the mill after his father passed away from complications related to an injury sustained while fighting in the Civil War. Charles married Phyllis Taver, and together they raised seven children; Wayne was the youngest, born August 31, 1936.

Wayne grew up in the McKay Creek area and attended schools in Prineville. The old McKay Creek schoolhouse, which closed as a school in 1937, became the family home in the 1940s. Wayne fondly remembered it as the heart of the community. “What I remember mostly were the dances and potlucks there,” he once said. “Everybody in the neighborhood would come down for the potluck; a lot of sawmill people and people who had ranches around here.” For a time, he also lived in the old railroad station with the Hughbanks family, forming a lifelong friendship with Charley Hughbanks.

Wayne graduated from Crook County High School in 1956, the only member of his family to do so. While in school, he lettered in basketball and was selected to play in the Shriners All-Star Game. Following high school, Wayne worked as a timber faller alongside his father and brother, Ray. He considered it a privilege to be part of Prineville’s booming wood industry and spoke often of how much he loved that chapter of his life. The family was also deeply involved in the cattle industry. Wayne ran his own herd on his McKay Creek ranch and was an accomplished horseman. Ranching was not just work to him — it was a way of life.

After 30 years in the forest, Wayne left timber work in 1991 and joined the Ochoco Irrigation District, retiring in 2006. He continued running his cattle ranch until 2009.

Wayne married Sandy on January 26, 1981. They were later sealed together in the Portland Oregon Temple on May 15, 2010. Sandy brought children into the marriage, and Wayne loved them all dearly — especially the grandchildren who followed. He took great joy in teaching them life skills: driving his stick-shift truck, riding the tractor, fishing, and putting up hay.

Wayne’s father was a fiddler, which inspired Wayne’s lifelong love of country music. One of his favorite songs was “Remember When” by Alan Jackson. Wayne was a good man — kind in spirit, honest, respected, and deeply loved. He was “satisf ied” with life and all it had to offer. His smile was contagious, and he never met a stranger. He leaves behind a strong legacy of family, hard work, and community, and he will be greatly missed and always remembered. Wayne is survived by his wife, Sandy; stepdaughter, Patty Leonard (Patrick) of California; stepsons, Tim Overall (LaVerne) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jay Burnett of Bend, Oregon, and Tyler Burnett of Prineville, Oregon; and his grandchildren, Jennifer Willadsen, Dr. Mandy Overall, Desiree Overall, Bradley Burnett, and Zane Ott.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis James; his father, Charles “Jess” Demaris; his stepfather, Floyd James; brothers, Allen “Ray,” Eldon “Royce”, Charles Jess “Junior,” and Jimmy Demaris; and sisters, Cora “Fay” Landers and Phyllis “Jean” Hunter. A graveside service will be held February 11, at 11 a.m., at Juniper Haven Cemetery, 1555 N. Main Street, Prineville. Those attending are encouraged to bring a chair. Prineville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Russell Rhoden will officiate the service, and Wayne’s final resting place will be dedicated by Bishop Brett Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of the Ochocos.

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