Louis Hover Demerais

It is with great sadness that the family of Louis (Lou) Hover Demerais announce his passing at Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, B.C. at the age of 79.

He was born in Prince Albert , Saskatchewan, to Albert Demerais of the Muskoday First Nation Reserve (Cree) and Irene Bear. His siblings were Herbert, Lorna, Albert, Howard, Arthur, Charles, Donald and Barbara. After completing his high school education (as well as rising to the rank of Senior Sargent in the Army Cadets) he began his journalism career that took him from Prince Albert to Regina, Saskatchewan and then to Kamloops, B.C.

In 1971, Lou was moved to become involved in Indigenous Political and Social issues and injustices that he saw affecting the Indigenous people which became his passion, cause, and legacy. Lou’s career took him to many places within Canada, including Vancouver, Ottawa and Edmonton. He travelled abroad to Sweden, Europe and the UK until he returned to Vancouver to begin his work with the Vancouver Native Health Society. Lou worked tirelessly throughout the 90’s in Vancouver’s DTES bringing light to issues that had mostly been ignored. In 2023 he relocated to Kamloops with his wife Maureen.

Lou spent many hours fishing with his father in law and many friends over the years, relishing in the quiet and calmness and sense of peace that he cherished. Lou also loved his days on the links with buddies and eventually with his daughter whom he could always beat except when it came to drinking beers! He was a huge Blue Jays fan and as his favourite football team won the Grey Cup this year we are sure he was watching...

He loved his family dearly and was so proud to be “Mooshum” to his 4 grandchildren. His son Christopher and daughter Mackenzie were always the best part of him. Lou was the best storyteller and we will always remember our favourite as we think of him. He has left an amazing legacy and we are left with wonderful memories and dreams of his soups and stuffed mushrooms!

He leaves his wife Maureen, his son, Christopher (Penny, Jaden and Sage) his daughter Mackenzie (Sky Blue Water), (John, Harper and Harrison) and his extended family in Kamloops, B.C., and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. We will love you forever.

https://health.indigenous.ubc.ca/2025/10/21/in-memory-of-elder-lou-demerais/