Geri Bemister was an interventionist on the two-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning television series “Intervention.” From 2020 to 2021, she appeared in four episodes, two from season 21 and two from season 22.
On her de*th anniversary, the inspirational lady is remembered by her students, family, and well-wishers.
Key Takeaways
- Geri Bemister, a renowned interventionist on the Emmy-winning show “Intervention,” passed away on June 24, 2023, after battling cancer.
- Despite a troubled past involving abuse and addiction, Bemister transformed her life to become a respected behavioral scientist, educator, and addiction counselor.
- Her legacy in addiction recovery and criminal justice inspires students and colleagues.
A Woman Of Many Talents
Geri Bemister was a behavioral scientist, a business owner, an addictions counselor, and a former director of operations at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre in Calgary.
The 53-year-old passed on June 24, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
In a 2018 interview, she said, “I have a disease that is out to kill me. My medication is about living the best life I can and being the best person I can be.”
When the news of her departure was revealed on the show, many fans took to social media to post their tribute to the interventionist.
I just finished Danielle’s episode and audibly gasped when I saw the news of Geri’s passing at the end. What a tragic loss. May she rest in peace 🤍
WATCH: Renowned for her experience as an interventionist, Geri Bemister explores the disease of addiction, how to overcome it and how you can approach and support someone who may be an addict. https://t.co/sHU5BTA9ou (via @BT_Vancouver) pic.twitter.com/YnFhnSlRgm
— CityNews Vancouver (@CityNewsVAN) March 28, 2019
Another one followed,
I just saw some of her episodes on Netflix! I was like who’s this amazing interventionist!? This is so sad.
Similarly, an x (formerly Twitter) user said,
I was watching an IV Canada episode tonight, and at the end, we learn the interventionist Geri Bemister has suddenly passed away. An amazing woman who overcame the toughest of circumstances to triumph and help others. Mad respect for a life well lived. RIP🕊️
On the one-year dea*h anniversary of Geri Bemister, she is commemorated for her legacy in the field of addiction recovery and criminal justice.
Bemister studied the criminal justice system in five different countries and was a faculty member in the Department of Criminology at Vancouver Island University.
Moreover, she was a professor in the Department of Criminology at North Island College in Courtenay.
A Story Of Faith, Determination And Comeback
At one point, Geri Bemister was an alcoholic and addict whose life had deteriorated under the weight of her substance use.
Bemister suffered years of sexual abuse as a little girl from the age of five to 13 by trusted relatives. To cope with the trauma, she turned to dr*gs and alco*ol.
Canada comes to Seattle for Mariners game!! pic.twitter.com/7Ivcz5ftgQ
— Geri E. Bemister (@bemisterg) May 17, 2015
When it was too much, her mother and sister intervened and got her into rehab.
Bemister was diagnosed with cancer during her treatment, and eventually, she had both breasts removed due to the disease.
But that didn’t stop her. She took the challenge confidently and remained motivated to seek help and educate herself.
On behalf of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation we want to congratulate CCAC Certified Member Geri Bemister on her achievement as this years Courage to Come Back Award recipient! pic.twitter.com/brqvLTsaib
— CACCF (@CACCF_Canada) April 25, 2019
Geri returned to school, eventually earning a master’s degree in criminal justice. A happy ending, indeed!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Geri Bemister grew up in Langford, outside of Victoria.
- She was an exceptional athlete; Geri was a star pitcher on her fastball team.
- Bemister, at age 19, was the youngest female in a federal penitentiary at the time.
I was so sorry to hear of geris passing when watching intervention. She gave of herself to others and was a true blessing. She had a heart full of hope for those I never held out much hope for. My husband died from an alcohol addiction which has lead to me having little hope for addicts. Thanks Geri.
So sorry to hear she passed so sad after overcoming so much
Her kind spirit was infectious. She gave back to others who were suffering in their addiction and became recognized fir her outstanding contributions.
Rest in peace Geti
So sorry to hear of her passing , we have watched her numerous times, my husband is a recovery addict , 7 years clean and sober today and is so inspired by the show
The world lost an amazing woman who made such a positive impact on the lives of countless people struggling with addiction. From here in Detroit my wife and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and friends. We are saddened to hear this news so late. We just saw the message after watching Intervention. She really was an incredible woman and an inspiration.
Awww I’m sad to hear of her passing. Just found out at the ending of Danielle’s episode. She was a great interventionist from what I’ve seen on the show.
My condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, & students. Just discovered the news minutes ago.
I just finished her last Intervention episode, Danielle and I was sad to read about her passing. May her soul be at peace and my condolences to her family and all the people she helped and touched!
I didn’t know Geri but did see an episode on Intervtion and at the end the credits remembering her passing.
Reading her story it showed how intelligent, talented, driven, challenged, the love she had for herself, her family and for others with addiction.
An angel on earth with a beautiful smile, a kind heart, who was eager to help addicts regain their life, a positive role model for many and who was a bright light to those she loved and who she tried to help.
She fought addiction and the awful breast cancer that took her life. My mom too passed away from triple negative breast just shy of her 80th birthday 3 years ago.
My son, who is 41, a father of 3, and a talented electrician, we believe suffers from some type of addiction(s) too and we hope he’ll get help one day he’ll meet a Geri too.
May Geri rest in peace, and always an angel on the shoulders of those she’s loved and helped. She’s been a blessing to so many and I’m grateful for her and her life story. Sending comfort and prayers to her family and friends. God bless.
So very sad and such a shame.
Just seen that Geri passed away I have seen so many episodes with her. She looked like she was a great interventionist may she be in God’s grace now. RIP to her and her family and coworkers and all the addicts that’s she helped.