Derek Robert Racette

Passed away at the Portage District General Hospital on Monday, January 8, 2018 at the age of 45 years.

Derek was a great father, husband, son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, but he always treated everyone as his own family. He was so full of smiles and carried a positive attitude whenever you saw him. He was considered a role model for his work and involvement as a volunteer as he was kindhearted, selfless and willing to lend a helping hand in various community events throughout his life.

Derek grew up camping and hunting which was one of many activities he enjoyed doing with his family and friends. To his Colby he was “the best spotlighter ever.” Camping will never be the same without him. He also grew up travelling the pow-wow trail as a traditional dancer, drum singer and respected whistle carrier. He was one of the first original singers of the Sandy Bay GTO drum group. He was a traditional/cultural worker by teaching kids to sing and dance as well as initiating new dances into the pow-wow circle. He had just completed his training to be an Arena director for pow-wows.

Derek was always active in all types of sports, such as wrestling and hockey. He was currently the trainer/first-aid personelle for the Sandy Bay Badgers High School Hockey Team and was admired by all youth.

For many years Derek had been proud of his work with the Amaranth Fire Department. He was a volunteer with the Sandy Bay Fire Department receiving his Ground Search & Rescue Certificate.

Derek, although he was known as “Donkey” as a child to family and friends, his name became more famous when he started work as one of the first DJ’s of Sandy Bay Radio. Thus, becoming DJ Donkey. Donkey was not only DJ for Sandy Bay, but for Ebb & Flow as well. While on the air in Sandy Bay his signature saying was “And you’re listening to Sandy Bay Radio, Sandy Bay All The Way.”

Derek is survived by his wife Twyla; sons Derek Jr and Colby; adult children Dinah, Sheena, Vanessa and Tristen; his mother Audrey Racette, stepdad Joe Racette; siblings Donna (Andrew), Myrna (Kevin), Crystal, Tammy (Claude), Charlton (Jennifer); numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Derek had the privilege to be raised by numerous families during his upbringing. Such as Mr. & Mrs. John Beaulieu, Mr. & Mrs. Darren Mousseau, Mr. & Mrs. Clinton McIvor and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beaulieu.

He was predeceased by grandparents William & Margaret Abraham McIvor and Florence Spence; aunts Mary Louise Richard, Geraldine Spence, and Beatrice Racette; uncles Albert Spence and Russell Racette Sr.

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