Buzz Deemer

February 15, 2022

Evan ‘Buzz’ J. Deemer, Jr. passed away on February 15, 2022, in Portsmouth, Virginia at age 76. Buzz grew up in an Air Force family, of which he was very proud. Some of his childhood was spent growing up in Germany and several US states, before claiming Virginia as his home. He graduated from Yorktown High School and earned several degrees and certifications from University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Virginia Tech (VPISU) and Old Dominion University, and completed an Apprenticeship at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. These accomplishments were just a jump start to his lifelong passion for learning and travel. Buzz taught physics, math and geology at New River Community College and Tidewater Community College for many years. He then worked for over 20 years as a Radiation Health Physicist at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, before retiring. Buzz was predeceased by his parents, LT Colonel Evan J. Deemer, Sr. and Mrs. Maude Deemer, and brother-in-law, Marc Horin. He is survived by his partner of over 30 years, Elizabeth Vonasek, his brothers Bruce Deemer and Scott (Suzie) Deemer, niece Katie, nephew Scotty, & several grandnieces and grandnephews, and several esteemed cousins. He also treasured his partner’s close knit family, particularly Louise and Eugene Hileman, Mary and Bobby Clark, and Joe and Kim Vonasek, and all of their children and grandchildren, and cousin Regina Mach. He spent decades supporting and assisting his parents on a daily basis, especially in their challenging last years, and supported his mother’s amazing end of life care by Bruce and Marc. Buzz had many hobbies, and was an avid Model Train aficionado from childhood. He spent over 30 years enjoying American Revolutionary War Reenacting, and dedicated his life to learning and teaching about the start of our country. He made a new family and many new friends in the Patriot 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line (spent about 10 years as Captain of the Regiment) and then supported the formation of the British 14th Regiment of Foot to help better interpret the Revolutionary War in Virginia. Buzz traveled the country with his partner Elizabeth to support re-creations of historical events of the 18th Century with his dear friends and compatriots. He dedicated much time and treasure to helping the 7th/14th Regiments. Local historical sites also received generous, lifelong support from him, particularly Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown, where he visited and volunteered and was well loved and admired for his extensive knowledge. He cherished the dedicated Weavers at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Weavers Shop as part of his family, and the last few years there were some of the happiest of his life. He also contributed greatly to the recognition of local historical events, helping to start annual events commemorating the Battle of Great Bridge in Chesapeake and Skirmish of Kemps Landing in Virginia Beach. He contributed generously to the creation of the Museum established by the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation. He was a learned man of Science and History. One of his greatest joys was to share his extensive knowledge of American History, aeronautical and nautical history, model railroading, politics, geology, physics, astronomy, and so many topics, and stories of his beloved pet house rabbits. His storehouse of knowledge, and his generosity and passion for his family, especially his brother Bruce, his extended family, and many friends will be sorely missed. We were all the richer for having known him, and we are all the poorer for losing him. He was devoted to his partner, Elizabeth, and changed her life for the better, giving her a life of love, curiosity, learning, spice & adventure, for which she will be forever immensely grateful. Please leave condolences or favorite pictures for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on April 2, 2022. (200 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690, jyfmuseums.org) Visitation with family and friends will be held at 12:00 PM, and the Service will be held at 1:00 PM. Reenactors and historical interpreters are encouraged to wear their period attire. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Buzz’s name to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (preferably designated for the Weavers Shop), or to the 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line at www.7vr.org.