July 7, 1970 – April 14th, 2021

Lee John Demmans was born in Dawson Creek BC on July 7, 1970 and passed away in RIH on Wednesday April 14, 2021 at the age of 50 after a hard fought battle with pneumonia and staphylococcal infection. Lee John is survived by his mother Bev, sister Christine Baker, nieces Brittany and Hailey, nephew Shae. Also, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lee was predeceased by his father Roger (1983) brother Garth (1994) grandparents and special Aunt and Uncle, Gail, and Ted Farnsworth.

He lived in Chetwynd for the first seven years of his life and then the family moved to Kamloops BC. Lee John loved sports and learned to skate at a very early age on a rink that his dad used to make in the backyard. He started playing hockey at age 5 although small he was a fast skater. His Dad was his coach the first few years he played.

After moving to Kamloops, he attended Arthur Hatton Elementary, McArthur Park Junior High then NorKam Senior Secondary. He was on the wrestling team where he excelled to a very high level. Brian Dick coached the team to Provincial Championships on more than one occasion. Mr. Dick took members of the team to Montreal for Canadian Junior Championship where Lee won silver in Greco. Lee has many trophies from his wrestling days and fitness challenges. Lee was male athlete of year in grade 12 and he earned a special award in grade 12 for earning all athletic awards available by grade 11.

He also played on NorKam Saints rugby team. Playing on the Saints team must be where rugby became his passion. He played rugby until well into his forties. He signed his text with his beloved #11. He loved the game, and he loved his teammates. He loved his teammates children as well and lots of them called him Uncle which made him beam. For some reason, his favourite team was France in the World Cup Rugby (he liked that rooster) and Toulouse Club Rugby Club. He had some passion for anything Irish as well.

The family always had a ski pass for Tod Mountain and spent a lot of weekends on the hill. When Lee John was younger, he was usually skiing beside the runs in the bush finding logs or whatever to jump over. As he got older Lee John had competitions with his brother and sister to see who was the fastest down the hill. Especially on black diamond runs.

In the summers, the family spent a lot of time camping and being on the water in the boat. Water skiing on Kamloops Lake and Shuswap Lakes. That too could become a competition to see who could get the biggest rooster tail on a slalom ski! Always a competition with Lee but I think he came by it honestly. Family games of Uno could get pretty intense.

Lee knew and retained a vast amount of knowledge on sports. He knew players from all teams, be it football, hockey, baseball, rugby, soccer, skiing, tennis, and any other sport. He knew the stats on players of all eras. He also got tired of explaining what 2 1/2 games in hand meant! I would promise not to ask again but every year in the run up to baseball playoffs I would have to ask the question again!

Lee worked in the construction industry mostly with concrete. He worked in Fort McMurray off and on for several years and here in Kamloops. If there was concrete to be poured, he was there and involved.

The family wish to thank Kamloops Rugby Club for the gathering last Wednesday for Lee. Having his #11 on signs between the goal posts. Also, all the support they gave Lee. You were all family to him.

Thank you to all the friends and relatives that have phoned, texted, emailed and Facebook messenger the family. Also sent delicious meals that were greatly appreciated at this time.

Due to Covid, a graveside service was held on Tuesday April 20, 2021 where he was interred at Hillside Cemetery next to his brother Garth.

You either loved him, or hated him, but you never forgot him.

Lee will be missed by his family and many friends. Rest In Peace,

ONE IN, ALL IN #11.

You may offer condolences by visiting Alternative Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-04-14
• Location : Kamloops