Omer Alphonse Demers

Omer Alphonse Demers (March 2, 1893[1] – February 8, 1969[2]) 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.[1] 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.[3] He also served as postmaster from 1912 to 1919.[4] 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.[3]

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.[3] He died in Esquimalt at the age of 75.[2]

References

1. Normandin, A L (1937). Canadian Parliamentary Guide.
2. "Vital Event Death Registration". BC Archives. Retrieved 2011-12-02.
3. Debden History Book (Association (1985). Memories to Stay, 1912-1985 : History of Debden and Area. pp. 7, 98–100. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
4. "Post Offices and Postmasters". Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
5. "Saskatchewan Election Results By Electoral Division" (PDF). Saskatchewan Archives Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2012-03-27.