Omer Alphonse Demers Explained

Omer Alphonse Demers (March 2, 1893  - February 8, 1969[1]) was a general merchant and political figure in Saskatchewan. He represented Shellbrook from 1934 to 1944 in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan as a Liberal.

He was born in Ham-Nord, Quebec, the son of Alfred Demers and Rose Anna Dufresne, and was educated in Victoriaville.[2] In 1912, his father and mother moved to Debden, Saskatchewan; they were one of the first families to settle in the area. They convinced Omer and his brother Adelbert to move to Debden. The two brothers arrived with a boxcar full of supplies and, soon after arriving, built a store which included living quarters. In 1914, Omer married Lucienne Larose. With his business going well, he soon built a larger store and residence. Demers helped open the first school in the town in 1915 and helped establish a Catholic parish. He also served as postmaster from 1912 to 1919.[3] In 1920, Demers became the first mayor of Debden. He sold the store after his wife developed tuberculosis. After she recovered, she opened a women's clothing store in Debden. Demers took up ranching and then muskrat ranching; both ventures were not successful.[4]

He was defeated by Albert Victor Sterling when he ran for reelection to the assembly in 1944.[5]

In 1945, Demers moved to British Columbia.[4] He died in Esquimalt at the age of 75.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vital Event Death Registration . BC Archives . 2011-12-02.
  2. Book: Normandin, A L . Canadian Parliamentary Guide . 1937.
  3. Web site: Post Offices and Postmasters . Library and Archives Canada . 2012-03-27.
  4. Book: Memories to Stay, 1912-1985 : History of Debden and Area . 7, 98–100 . 1985 . Debden History Book (Association . 2012-05-04.
  5. Web site: Saskatchewan Election Results By Electoral Division . Saskatchewan Archives Board . 2012-03-27 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131112235500/http://www.saskarchives.com/sites/default/files/documents/Elections-Results-by-Electoral-Division.pdf . 2013-11-12 .