Derwin Scott Lee Lovelace

Derwin Scott Lee (Tuffie) Lovelace, 39, "GA BA BIN ACE" which means Forever Flying Bird, of Hammond, MN started his journey with the creator on Friday June 8, 2012. He passed away at his home. He was born the oldest son of Sharon Lovelace on March 29, 1973 in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Derwin enjoyed being home on the “rez”, attending Pow Pows, fishing, camping, boxing, sketching and spending time with his beloved friend Jessica Smith. He was truly a people person who always made a point of making people feel special. Derwin was a comedian at heart who loved to make people laugh. He was very in touch with his Native American heritage and was member of the American Indian Center in Rochester. Derwin was very adamant about showing the respect deserved by his elders.

Derwin is preceded in death by his uncle Roy Lovelace.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his mother Sharon Lovelace of Rochester; children; Markia, Sabrina and Da’Shell Mellema all of Ham Lake, Aayliah and Melanie Backstrom both of St. Anthony, Daniel Lovelace of Cass Lake, Alexiana, Jayden, Schuyler and Derwin Jr. Lovelace all of Hammond, brothers; Gregory Lovelace and Frederick Hamilton both of Rochester and Larcell Mack, Tymen Young, Andrew Russell, Martell Hayes, Sterling and Taurus Shinder, Alex, Andre and Chris Passenhime and Tony Knox all of Minneapolis, sisters; Melody Hanners of Rochester, Rose Roberts, Cassandra Holmes, Nicole Mack, Alisha and Jada Hayes, Tandie Smith and Polly all of Minneapolis, grandmother; Frances Rivera, very special aunts; Leona Flores, Frances Butler, Anita, Sheryl and Rosalie Lovelace, many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, lots of other relatives and several special friends.

A wake for Derwin will begin Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and continue until his Traditional Native Service on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. all being held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, MN. Spiritual Leader will be Henry Sherer-Nason. Pallbearers for Derwin will be Greg Lovelace, Richard Norton, Rowya Donovan, Charles McGrath, Shane Doxtator and Brian Quimby. His honorary pallbearers are Frederick Hamilton, Nathan Lingren, Marie Thunder, Victor Butler, Albert Butler and Eric Butler.

There will be a memorial feast held Sunday, June 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Mary Park in Rochester, MN.

Arrangements entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. On-line condolences may be given for the family at http://www.northernpeace.com