SAM R. LOVIN

Sam R. Lovin, 62 of Devils Lake, North Dakota died at his home on Saturday, July 23, 2011 of natural causes. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Memorial Service for Sam will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday with Rev. Jeff Nicla officiating. Sam Richard Lovin was born on December 9, 1948 to Lowell and Nada (Montgomery) Lovin in Amarillo, Texas. He moved with his family to San Bernardino, California as a small child. As a teenager he traveled to North Dakota with his father who would work on the Nekoma Missile Site. Sam loved North Dakota and decided to stay here. He lived with Edward and Janet Pearson on their farm near Lawton, and they became his second family. Sam graduated from Edmore High School with the class of 1966. He continued his education and graduated with a degree in Auto Mechanics from Lake Region Junior College in 1969. Sam was united in marriage to Debbie Eng on April 19, 1969 and they had two children, Sean and Tricia. Sam had a passion for small engine mechanics and would make that his life’s work. That career began at Thompson’s Devils Lake Glass and Paint working in the glass department but also full time in the boat and marine maintenance and repair for over 20 years. He also had started teaching Small Engine Mechanics at the Lake Area Career and Technology Center which again was a career that would span many years. He loved his role as a teacher, interacting with the students and the students enjoyed Sam as an instructor; his influence, inspiration and enthusiasm. Sam married Sandi Bakken on October 20, 1983 and together they owned and operated Sam’s Custom Cycles/Dakota Small Engines. Sandi passed away on July 13, 1999. Sam was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved every aspect of the sport, from riding to repairing to restoring. He also loved to hunt and fish. He was truly able to fix almost anything and was always willing to lend that knowledge and helping hand to friends and family. He was a very knowledgeable man and an avid reader. Sam was also a member of the North Dakota Chapter of ABATE. (American Bikers Aiming Towards Education) Sam is survived by his children; Sean (Pam) Lovin, Tricia (Kevin Kraft) Lovin and Eric Marquez all of Devils Lake; grandchildren Christopher, Samantha, Lance, Destiny, Leah, Carson and Jeani; three great grandchildren Chloe, Milli and Cameron; brothers Lewis Lovin, San Bernardino and Larry Lovin, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; special friends Janet Hilde and Scott Pearson and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and their families. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; wife Sandi; brother Court Lovin; sister Tonya Lovin; great granddaughter Jazlynn and special friends Edward Pearson and Robert Pearson.