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
I first met Don when he co-chaired, with Jim Coflin, the FPT forum regarding the YOA in 1982. He impressed everyone during this challenging process with his knowledge,focus, vision, collegiality and exceptional sense of humour— he made it work. Subsequent contacts during our many shared years at the Heads of Corrections forum reinforced my view of Don’s exceptional work with the Canadian Justice System.
Don’s family should be very proud of his contribution.
Chère Andrée,
Je suis vraiment désolé d’apprendre cette nouvelle. Je pense à toi et ton fils en ce moment et je vous envoie beaucoup d’énergie et de courage.
My deepest sympathy to Andree and Gabriel. The ties between our families are strong…begun when Don and Ken were at grad school together in Alberta, extending through intersecting careers in criminal justice in Ottawa and BC and happily coming to rest in retirement in Victoria. Throughout these many years, Ken and I both knew Don to be a dedicated public servant as well as a warm and loving friend. Ken loved Don’s sense of humour best of all. If at all possible, I’m sure Ken and Don will continue their friendship as they prepare a place for us to join them, Andree. My heart is with you.
We are so saddened to hear about Donald’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mes sinceres condoleance a toi Andree et Gabriel et toute la famille. Nous sommes de tout Coeur avec toi dans ces dures moments. Prenez soin de vous autres. Lachez pas.
Caroline Veillette et la famille.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. I worked with Don in the ’80s at SolGen and our paths crossed several times as he pursued his distinguished career in corrections. He was indeed a talented, dedicated and humble professional who excelled in his field. He also had a wonderful sense of humour. I remember a meeting of the Canadian Delegation at a UN Crime Congress when Don suggested that Canada should advance a resolution to the Congress that would outlaw the playing of the accordion (with perhaps some reference to polka). It prompted little debate and much laughter. He was a good, dependable colleague and lots of fun to be around.
Dear Demers Family
I knew Don both in Prince George and when he was with Corrections Canada in Abbotsford. Don made a most valuable contribution to Provincial Corrections in Northern BC and he didn’t forget the challenges of the north when he was Deputy Commissioner for CSC. Thank you so much to Don for support and sound advice.
Ursula Morris
Prince George
On behalf of my father, Gerry Woods and myself, to Andree, Gabriel and the Demers family: please accept our sincerest condolences at this sad time.
Don was a fine man and a true friend. He and Gerry did great work together at Solicitor General Canada. I know that working with Don was one of the things Gerry truly enjoyed about his time at SGC.
« Une force tranquille », voilà les mots qui me sont immédiatement venus à l’esprit lorsque j’ai appris la nouvelle du décès de Don. C’est l’impression que m’a laissée Don lors des brèves rencontres que nous avons faites surtout dans le cadre d’activités liées à l’École Victor-Brodeur. La notice nécrologique dresse le portrait d’un homme accompli dans bien des domaines. Il a bien rempli sa vie. Que son âme repose en paix!
Je me fais le messager de toute la famille Migeon en adressant nos sincères condoléances à Andrée, à Gabriel et à tous ses autres proches.
Hubert Migeon
Dear family of Don Demers,
I am the sister in law to Linda Demers and I have just read Don’s obituary in the Winnipeg Free Press. I am amazed and impressed at his wonderful contribution and dedication to the public interest of all Canadians. I was especially struck by his involvement in the implementation of Canada’s young offenders’ act and deeply grateful since this act directly benefitted our family and our young son. May he be forever rewarded for his generous service to his fellow citizens.
I’m sorry I did not meet him him before his illness but I did have the privilege of briefly meeting him on one of his visits to St. Anne a few years ago.
Sincerely,
Hilda Toews