When Jermain McKenzie thinks of Trevor Dubois, he remembers an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that makes you laugh until you’re crying.
McKenzie said the last conversation he had with Dubois was on Christmas, wishing him a speedy recovery for the tumor in his brain.
A few days later, he learned Dubois had died. While the way he died is a subject of speculation, the way he lived is what his friends and family want to talk about.
“He lived his whole life trying to help people who are less fortunate,” McKenzie said in an interview.
McKenzie says he’s shocked by the picture being painted by authorities in the wake of Dubois’ death at Royal University Hospital.
On Friday, Dubois died after a physical altercation with security at the hospital where he was getting cancer treatment.
Whether it was being an advocate for Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQ+ community, students, those with disabilities or just helping a friend, Dubois went above and beyond.
“He had a huge impact. If you just look at the outpouring of support all over social media, you can see that it’s someone who truly touched our lives,” he said.
McKenzie remembers the time Dubois offered to teach him how to drive in his brand new car that McKenzie was terrified of damaging.
“He wasn’t concerned about the vehicle at all,” McKenzie said. “He was more concerned about me being able to get the experience necessary to become a competent and confident driver.”
Even when it started snowing and roads got slippery, Dubois remained calm and focussed on teaching his friend how to drive.
“He was a very kind, gentle, loving person who was always willing to help others, especially the less fortunate. I think that’s why he went into social work,” McKenzie said.
That infectious laugh keeps surfacing when people talk about Dubois, in one way or another.
“He had an aura that lit up the room. He would always be telling his gay jokes; he didn’t care if people knew he was gay or not,” said Carmen Charles, who knew Dubois for over 25 years.
She said Dubois was welcoming and compassionate, with a heart so big that there was always room for others.
Charles said that a few months ago, Dubois literally made room for her and her family when they went to Ottawa for Christmas and had nowhere to stay.
“So me and my ex, we went to stay with him with our baby,” she said. “He always had his door open, he always showed kindness to whoever he crossed paths with.”
Charles said she was choked when she read the news from police about the fake gun and drug paraphernalia.
“Trevor was against anything that caused harm to anyone. Guns, knives, anything that causes harm to people, he did not want to associate with. So to see the fact that they said he had a gun in his room, it’s total BS,” she said.
The family believes what was described as an imitation firearm was a cigarette case and lighter.
For another friend, Cody Demerais, Dubois was someone who showed up for people when they needed it most, like when he needed help starting his business.
Dubois helped him open accounts, apply for grants and get his business going.
Demerais shared the story of how Dubois once let a young person who didn’t have a place to go sleep in his basement suite. In the middle of the night, that person stole Dubois’ car.
“He wasn’t talking bad about the person,” Demerais said. “He just said he … hopes that guy can go on with his life and pull himself up.”
Demerais said he wants Dubois remembered for the way he treated people. “Trevor has touched hundreds, if not thousands of people’s lives,” he said.
Ryan Dubois, his brother, describes Trevor Dubois as “the best brother someone could ask for” and someone who looked after people instinctively, even strangers.
“My brother didn’t have a malicious bone in his body,” they said, pointing to the outpouring of grief and support online as proof of the impact he made.
Dubois grew up Metis and later became a member of the Muskoday First Nation, his relatives said.
They described him as a caring and flamboyant man with a heart of gold who helped others, including First Nations youth, struggling with mental health in northern Saskatchewan.
The family is still waiting for answers from the police and Saskatchewan Health Authority about the details of how Dubois died following an altercation with security officers.
