Donald (Don) J. Demers

Born in Ste. Anne Manitoba on March 21, 1947, Don left this life as he lived it, with great dignity, on March 13, 2013 in Victoria BC. He is mourned by his wife Andrée Chénier and son Gabriel Chénier Demers; his sister Linda Demers Friesen and brother Gilbert Demers (Annette Bouchard); niece Vanessa Noël (Marc, Ben and Max) and nephew Evan Friesen. He also leaves good friends and family in British Columbia, Manitoba and across the country. He is predeceased by his parents, Omer Demers of Ste. Anne Manitoba and Rolande Demers (Barrette) of Fannystele Manitoba.

Don started his distinguished career in criminal justice as a Living Unit Officer at Drumheller Institution in 1973. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta (1978) while working as a Parole Officer in Edmonton and as a researcher for the Programs Branch of the Solicitor General of Canada. During the course of his career, he conducted research projects and directed major policy and operational initiatives in corrections at the federal and provincial levels, ranging from the implementation of the Young Offenders Act to the reorganizations of correctional systems in Manitoba and British Columbia. His management experience included Head of Manitoba Corrections, Head of BC Corrections, Regional Deputy Commissioner (Pacific) Correctional Service Canada (CSC), and Senior Deputy Commissioner (CSC). He was acknowledged by his peers across the country for his leadership, insight, judgment, integrity, skills in reorganization and fiscal planning, and his dedication to the public interest.

Notwithstanding his commitment to duty, Don’s transition to retirement in 2007 was an easy one. Don was a lover of the written word, a student of history, a birdwatcher, and traveler — he loved Paris best of all, he would walk for miles, observe, and learn. He was a maker of lists, a great romantic. He had a lifelong interest in sports, played baseball and football as a youth and young adult and loved baseball parks and road trips. He had a wonderful sense of humour and quick wit that delighted all who came in contact with him.

The four years following his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were precious ones. Though fraught with difficult periods, he took advantage of the time to pursue the activities he loved and spend time with the people dearest to him.

He cherished his time with his beloved wife and son.

He was a humble and gentle man.

Mass and Interment in Ste. Anne Manitoba will follow at a later date. Donations may be made to the Correctional and Justice Programs of the Salvation Army.  Condolences or memories of Don’s life can be directed below.

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