Obituary
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Douglas Lorimer Demerse (92) on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Douglas was born in Chilliwack, BC on September 29, 1929, to Janet Helen Demerse, a war bride and pharmacist from Dumfries, Scotland, and Melvin Sydney Demerse, a mild-mannered, hard-working farmer from Lachute, Quebec. He grew up in a small farmhouse in Sardis, BC alongside five siblings: Mac, Edwin, Etta, Aileen, and Sandy. The depression and war years brought challenges to their community and family, but Doug’s childhood memories were positive. Material pleasures were sparse, and chores were required. He spoke of milking the family’s cow before school and Saturday night trips to town for groceries in Grandpa’s Model A Ford in good weather and by a horse-pulled sled in winter. Saturday evening was also bath time, when a portable tub was placed in the kitchen and the children, in turn, were given their weekly scrub. The kitchen table doubled as the homework station where the Demerse kids completed assignments under the supervision of their mother, for whom a good education was a necessity. School was a good experience for Doug, and he excelled in all subjects. Since WWII coincided with his school days, he joined the Chilliwack Army Reserves, and particularly enjoyed his role as a chauffeur for locally stationed officers.
Douglas had several jobs growing up—paper routes, hop-picking, and collecting fair on the Cultus Lake bus. After he completed grade 13, Doug took a position at Chilliwack’s hardware store where he met the love of his life, Noreen Richmond. They married in 1949 and remained soulmates for 73 years. After a brief stay in Vancouver, Doug and Noreen moved to Kamloops where he worked as a clerk at the City Hall, at a brewery, and finally for Palm Dairies. It was in Kamloops where daughter Susan Ellen and son Gary Douglas were born. In the late 1950’s Douglas moved his family to Penticton to purchase and manage the Argyle grocery store. He and Noreen served a large number of loyal customers from the neighbourhood and beyond. It was at this time that third child Wayne Edward was born. When offered a position in the NOCA dairy office, Doug accepted and settled into this role until his retirement in 1994.
Douglas had many interests and skills. He enjoyed watching hockey, loved the out-of-doors, and was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction. He read the Herald each day and completed its crossword puzzle. He had a knack for growing vegetables and flowers from seed, was skilled in-home construction projects, fixing appliances, and was always game to help his children with their homework. Doug and Noreen were hospitable hosts. Douglas had a deeply felt faith and had many leadership positions at First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and treasurer for many years while his thoroughly prepared adult Bible lessons were well attended. Doug was widely respected at work, at home, and amongst friends. His sense of humour and entertaining stories could lighten the mood in any room while his calm, wise demeanour made him a “go-to” for anyone in trouble or needing advice.
Doug was predeceased by brothers Mac, Ed, and Sandy, as well as Sister Etta. He is survived by his devoted wife Noreen, sister Aileen Scott (Sechelt), daughter Susan (Fred) Kraiger, sons Gary (Sue) and Wayne, all of Penticton. In addition, he has eight grandsons: Jeremy (Joanell) and Kelly Kraiger of Penticton, Devin (Ellen) of Calgary, Trevor (Sarah) of Vancouver, Daniel (Yuki) of Vancouver, Rob and Darcy of Victoria, and Russell (Sian) of Comox, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dad’s passing leaves a large hole in our hearts but an inspiring legacy to be carried forward. We would like to thank the staff at Westview and Dr. John Surkan for taking such good care of Doug.
A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm Friday, March 4th, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Penticton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Demerse September 29 1929 February 22 2022 (age 92)..
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique