Joseph "Joe" McCabe DeMott

In Loving Memory of Joseph M. DeMott
October 28, 1930 – July 21, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our family patriarch, Joseph M. DeMott, on
Monday, July 21, 2025.  At the age of 94 years, Joe passed away peacefully, surrounded by
family who loved him deeply, after living courageously with chronic heart disease.
A lifelong resident and pillar of the Drumheller community, Joe was devoted to family, friends,
his small business, and vintage automobiles. Known for his humor, sharp wit, generosity, and
unshakable integrity, Joe was the person many turned to for advice about cars, construction, or
simply life itself.  Those from every walk of life knew they met a singularly special person after
even just one conversation with Joe.  

Joe’s journey of leadership began early, after the untimely passing of his father. As a young
man, he took on the role of family leader, helping his mother on their homestead farm in
Michichi. He soon began working alongside Earl Parsons, building grain truck boxes,
eventually taking over and adding a second business DeMott Wood and Floors. Joe and his
wife Dolores DeMott maintained this company together for many years.  The truck box
business was very successful, but eventually metal truck boxes replaced the wood forcing Joe
and Dolores to focus on the flooring business, DeMott Floors.  In the early 80s Joe’s son Jeff
DeMott assumed a management role. With father and son applying their keen entrepreneur
spirit the business flourished.  Jeff was soon joined by his wife Kathy DeMott at DeMott Floors.
This successful partnership has developed a well known local small business that continues in
the spirit of Joe’s theme that the customer always came first.  
Joe was a lifelong sportsman. In his younger years, he pitched baseball for the Michichi
Braves and other Alberta teams, often winning double headers with his close friend and catcher
Mike Anderson.  Together they lead their team to many victories. Later, he became a
competitive horseshoe pitcher, advancing to and winning the Alberta Summer Games.  Joe
was a perennial force in club championships for curling in the Drumheller area.  He won a full
cabinet of trophies over the years.  
Joe is well known in the community for his passion for vintage automobiles. He was often found
around town with his close friend John Gallagher.  Together they raced Model Ts throughout
Alberta, collecting medals and memories. But perhaps most cherished was his role as top
executive of Drumheller’s unofficial "Old Farts Club," a daily gathering in his garage where
cards were played, stories were told, and cutting humor never stopped. His granddaughter
affectionately proposed renaming cribbage in Drumheller to "Joe’s Game" in his honour.
Joe leaves behind his beloved wife, Dolores DeMott, who continues to receive care and
support in continuing care at Drumheller Hospital. He is survived by their three children, seven
grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren: Wayne and Charlene DeMott (Victoria, BC): Rebecca, Rachel, Samuel, and Briony, Jeff and Kathy DeMott (Drumheller): Kristyne,  Karen and Glenn DeVoogd (Long Beach, CA): Josef and Skylar.

He is predeceased by many family members: 
Parents - Lilian and Thomas DeMott 
Sister - Joyce Martin and brother-in-law Charles Martin
Sister - Ione Thompson and brother-in-law Jack Thompson
Brother - Eugene DeMott and sister-in-law Agnes DeMott

The void Joe leaves cannot be filled. To his family and friends, he was a hero—steady, wise,
and one of a kind. He set the bar high for what it means to be an amazing father, friend, and
community member. He made time to listen and problem solve with anyone who came to him
for counsel.  
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Drumheller Health Center who cared for Joe in his
last days.  
A celebration of life will be announced in the coming months.

Please do not order flowers from this site.  Thank you.