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.
41 Responses
Andrée and Gabriel,
I was very sad to learn that Don is no longer with us. He was a good man who will be sorely missed.
I worked with Don for the last three years of his time in the Correctional Service of Canada. It was truly an honor. He was talented, dedicated, professional and wise. He was also considerate and kind. By taking care of business so well he made the jobs of others like me much easier; by seeing others in such a positive way he helped bring out the best in the team; and by using humor and a gentle touch he brought light even when things looked dark.
Like so many others, I will cherish fond memories of Don. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that he touched positively so many lives, including mine.
Keith Coulter
Former Commissioner
Correctional Service of Canada
Andrée, Gabriel & Family
Please accept my profoundest sympathy with the passing of Don. He was indeed a special friend and colleague dating back to 1974, when we were students together at the Univ. of Alberta. Last May he shared with me the events of the recent wonderful trip he and Andree had takent to Venice, Paris and Brussels. He will be sadly missed by all of us across the country.
Nos sincères condoléances Andrée, nous sommes avec vous en pensée et dans nos prières en ces moments difficiles.
Courage.
Our deepest condolences. I only new Don for a short time when I encouraged him to come to BC and the province certainly benefited. His postive outlook on all things made him so enjoyable to be aroung. He will be missed.
Andrée, Gabriel & Family
My sincerest sympathies. I also started as a Living Unit Officer and our paths crossed a number of times over the years, each time was a very positive experience. Don was a kind, caring, humble and compassionate man. He will always have my utmost respect. R.E. Bob Brown, Victoria, BC.
Andrée and Gabriel,
It is with great sadness that I and many others have come to learn of Don’s passing. I have known Don for many years throughout his career both federally and provincially and he will be greatly missed by so many people. He will always be remembered professionally for his dedication, commitment and perseverance. Don touched so many lives and everyone that ever knew him remembers him on a personal level as a caring, compassionate and passionate individual with a great sense of humour. Speaking on behalf of all the employees for the Correctional Service Canada past and present, I want to offer our deepest and sincerest condolences and we will all greatly miss Don.
Don Head
Commissioner
Correctional Service Canada
Nos plus sincères condoléances à Gabriel et Andrée en ces moments difficiles.
Nos sincères condoléances. Nous sommes avec vous en pensée en ces moments difficiles.
De la part de la famille Fortier (René, Lucie, Camille, Yanik)
Nous offrons nos sincères sympathies à Andrée, Gabriel, Linda et Gilbert. C’est avec beaucoup de peine que nous disons adieu à ‘Big Don’. Merci pour ton amitié, merci d’avoir été mon co-équipier de balle (Ste. Anne Mets), merci d’être mon confrère durant nombreuses années scolaires, et merci surtout pour les dernières années de retrouvaille. Tu étais et tu demeureras toujours une partie intégrale de ma vie.
We offer our deepest condolences to Andree, Gabriel and Don’s family in Manitoba. Our lives have been enriched by the gift of Don’s friendship for 44 years. The memories will continue to brighten our lives, as will our continuing friendship with Andree and Gabriel.