Allan Thomas Demaray

Allan Thomas Demaray, Sr.  was born in Elbowoods, on June 13, 1949 to Flora Demaray and Bernard Mandan.  He was raised by Richard “Dick” Demaray and always called Dick his father. Tom was a member of the Knife Clan and a baby Low Cap. His Indian name was "High Holy Bull”; and he was a member of Veterans Post 271 and post 9061.

Tom’s mother Flora was a traditional Hidatsa woman and would let his Uncle Donald take him for a year or two.  His uncle taught him how to sing Hidatsa songs and to dance.  Tom didn’t learn how to speak English until he went to boarding school in Stephan, SD from the first grade to the third. He completed elementary school in Twin Buttes then went to   Halliday for 2 years and then to Berea Kentucky. Tom was an excellent swimmer and declined an offer from the Olympic Swimming team. Tom also excelled in basketball and played for the Wolverines at Halliday. He graduated from Halliday in 1968.  After a semester at Mary College Tom enlisted the Army. While in the Army Tom married his childhood friend Sue Mundt and together they had 2 beautiful children, Allan Jr. and Calantha; he adopted Sue’s daughter Tara. They were married for about 5 years and after difficulties in the marriage, he moved home to Twin Buttes.

While at home Tom reconnected with Elizabeth YellowBird who he met in College. Tom and Lizz were married for 19 years and had Bill and Teresa Demaray. Tom was honorably discharged from the Army after serving almost 11 years.  Tom and Lizz lived in Grand Forks for about 14 years, he had various jobs and later moved to Fargo. Tom worked for NDSU, the Fargo Forum and a tire factory.

During the time in Fargo his spiritual journey began which brought him back home. He began his ceremonies and sundancing with Sadie Mann.  He was a helper for many other sundances and did ceremonies across the United States. For years he did healing ceremonies at his home for anyone who asked, he never said no. Meanwhile he worked as a counselor at the Circle of Life and was a Unity Rider for many years.  He also worked for Four Bears Casino and was asked to come back but his family and spirituality kept him home.  He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and was always thinking of them.

Tom is survived by his children: Louella (Bruce) Dralle, Allan Demaray Jr.; Tara Beston (Gary); Calantha (Travis) Kerzman; Bill Demaray; Teresa (Eric) Soles-Moore; Cody Rust, Allen Paul Edwards Jr.; Willie Broncheau and Lakeya Nadeau. His sisters are Wynona Demaray, Edna Johnson, Fern BullHead, Valerie BullHead, Kathy Guardipe; Susan Paulson, Karen Beaver, Jody Brieck, and Shawnee McDonald. Tom’s brothers are Victor Mandan, George Mandan (Dec); Cedric Mandan; Tom Arthur.

Mandan; Orville Mandan; Gilson Mandan (dec); Keith Mandan; Mike Mandan (dec); Dickey Demaray; Jack Demaray, Gordon Demaray; Turn Klous; James Wasson; Nephi Three Legs,Tom Three Legs, Burton Tam and Angelo Antonio (dec). John Yelllowstone; Grandchildren: Daahlen Dralle, Awanna Dralle, Keone Dralle, Keoda Dralle; Red Earth,BringsRain, Nahish, White Star, Mia, Raven Tail, She Comes from The River and Amy Bemont; Dylan, Gary Jr. Precious, Abigail, Meliah, Tayden, Raxton, Ayla Demaray, Angelina Longie; Sheila White Owl, Mystic Rose Arthur, Night Star and Cheyenne.  Allen Paul Soles-Moore, Aurora Soles Moors; special granddaughter Rylee Mandan, granddaughter of George and Renetta Mandan.

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