George Robert Demarest, 84, of Central Beach died Aug. 12th at VNA Hospice House.

Born in Flushing, N.Y., he was a visitor of Vero Beach since 1950, becoming a permanent resident for nine years, coming from Williamsburg, Va.

He owned and operated an import and export tropical fish farm. He invented the method of transporting tropical fish from overseas.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marines. He was a member of the Indian Hills Golf Club in New York, Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, The Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg and Two Rivers Country Club in Williamsburg.

He was a member of the Pet Industry Joint Committee of Florida and the Fish Farmers Association.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Anne; daughters, Denise Kempton of Centerville, Va., and Desiree Tombul of Chattanooga, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Services will be private. Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book may be signed at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.