Derrick Rivere

Derrick D. Rivere, Local Musician, 39, Passed Sunday, June 30, 2103 at 12:42pm. He was a native of Oceanside, CA and a resident of Gray, LA. Derrick Daniel Rivere, self-taught musician, began his interest of playing music at the age of 13. A family friend invited him to bring his keyboard and jam with their band, and this led to a full blown career. Two years later, in 1997, he began his own group known as Kerizma. Although his talent with the keyboard was the key to his being successful with Kerizma, it was his hard work and effort, along with fairness that always came through to the people that he was entertaining. He did all this and more, bookings, negotiations and kept harmony amongst the group. Derrick was amazing to say the least; he worked from a wheel chair. Derrick was born with Muscular Dystrophy and was diagnosed to be a non-functioning child from birth. To quote Derrick, “all these years I’ve been battling with MD, and it’s cancer that’s going to be my downfall. Who woulda thunk?!” As time went by, Derrick continued to book the group at local bars and clubs, festivals, private events, Casinos and as an opening act for many professional groups, which highly impacted Kerizma’s popularity. Derrick gained the respect and friendship of many. His nonjudgmental disposition offered more than just a smile, it always offered a welcoming feeling to everyone. Derrick’s first real love was music and the feeling he got from making people happy, he was a professional musician. Derrick is survived by his parents Kenneth Sr. and Carolyn B. Rivere. His Grandparents, Harry and Marie Rivere, and Hazel Cavalier; Daughter Heaven Rivere; Brother Kenneth Jr. and Lydia Rivere; Sister Renee and Kevin King, Brittany Rivere; Nephews Kenny III, Godchild Jared Rivere , Stefan, Devin and Nathan King; Nieces Kayla Rivere, Victoria Rivere and Taylor Rivere; Great Niece Allie Rivere and many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and his Music Family. Derrick was preceded in death by Grandparents Elwood and Elizabeth Billiot; Uncles Richard Olivier and Richie Delatte, and many other Uncles and Aunts of the family. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 9:00 am to11:00 am and Liturgy at 11:00 am at Chauvin Funeral Houma. To send condolences please visit www.chauvinfuneralhome.com. Chauvin Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements 5899 Hwy. 311, Houma, LA 70360. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations made to MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) or Journey Hospice in Houma.