Peter Westervelt Demarest

Obituary Peter Demarest, 80, died on August 10, 2020 surrounded by his family. He had been a resident of Cape Carteret, NC since 2009. Raised in Creskill, NJ, Peter joined the US Air Force in 1957and served in the Strategic Air Command. While posted to Kansas, he had the privilege of serving as part of an Honor Guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He frequently reminisced about a later posting to Greenland. While the military instilled a sense of purpose and pride in Peter, by 1961 he returned to civilian life and married his longtime love Ellen Jenkins. They later settled in Ringwood, NJ where they raised their three children. Ringwood suited Peter. It satisfied his lifelong love of the outdoors and provided a great environment for raising a family. He particularly enjoyed canoeing and fishing on nearby rivers and lakes, frequently accompanied by his sons. Ellen & Peters home was made complete by a succession of dogs, all greatly loved by Peter. During the many years Peter sold appliances in Pompton Lakes, he developed a following of loyal customers who came to rely on him for his knowledge and advice. However, his family was always his first priority. After 41 years in Ringwood, Ellen and Peter retired to North Carolina in 2009. Unsurprisingly, they moved to Cape Carteret, near the beaches of Emerald Isle where the family had vacationed for decades. Here Peter was able to indulge in his love of the ocean swimming, fishing and boating. He spent many happy hours taking drives in the Mustang convertible that was his pride and joy. Long walks through the forest with their dog Jersey were also treasured. Although scattered across the country, children and grandchildren visited regularly. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen, three children Susan Routhier of New Bern NC, Eric (Pam) of Fredricksburg, VA, and Lee (Gina) of Gypsum, CO, and seven grandchildren Kristen, Nicole, Dane, Gavin and Lili Demarest and Christian and Desi Routhier. At Peters request his ashes will be scattered in the ocean he loved. A private gathering of friends and family to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Peter Westervelt Demarest