Derek Weikel

Derek Weikel passed away on June 29, 2016 in Austin TX at the age of 26. He was born to Sandra Weikel and Paul Weikel on September 23, 1989 in Roswell, NM.

Derek was a vibrant and amazing young man who radiated creativity and compassion from his very core. Derek grew up as a local boy attending Gateway Christian Church until the fifth grade before moving into the public schools. Even at a young age Derek was different than most others. He had a natural tendency to music and art and lived his life with a creative mark on whatever he touched. When he got to middle school he enrolled at Berrendo where his mother Sandra was the band instructor. For most boys having their mother as a teacher could be a difficult proposition but Derek relished the time he was able to spend with her. He quickly set himself apart by playing and learning multiple instruments. Many of which that are difficult to master such as the unforgiving French horn with its notoriously demanding embouchure or the trumpet where diaphragm strength is key for perfect pitch. He was disciplined in his craft and quickly added piano to his repertoire and both bass and electric guitar. Derek had the ability to do what is almost unheard of for an instrumentalist; he could sing. Being part of the church choir he sang in the group Heaven ConneXtion under the expertise and leadership of the accomplished John Fuss.

Derek graduated from Goddard High School in 2007 and continued his education by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Media from NMSU. Soon after he began collaboration's with friends Chris and Jake to start his own independent film company entitled Fall Hard Films. With his full talent on display Derek had the honor and privilege to share his passion and artistic drive on national TV with shows such as American Idol and America's Got Talent; movies Snitch and Folklore; and several commercials and music videos. His cultivated vision is on full display at www.fallhardfilms.com where you can see some of his projects. His love for movies and music is intently evident.

Derek was a traveler who was fearless and always ready for the next adventure. He could be generous to a fault with his time, money, and most importantly, kindness and loyalty. People who knew Derek considered him their "go to" guy for either a kind word or sage advice. His heart was always open to friends, strangers, and cats. He loved his precious felines Neptune and Salacia (named after the roman god and goddess of water).

Derek is survived by his mother Sandra Weikel and her husband Alan Dabadie; father Paul Weikel and wife Liz; aunt Wanda Hobbs and Bobby; uncle Paul Gilbert and Stephanie; cousins Krishna Hobbs and spouse Ashley Sanders, Shelly Gilbert, Sarah Woodrum and William, Andrea Cornett and Neil, Emily McGee and Justin. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Opal and Francis Weikel and Heathy and Willard Gilbert.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made honoring Derek to the Roswell Humane Society, 705 E. McGaffey St., Roswell, NM 88203.

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