David "Scotty" McMillan Gardner

DAVID "SCOTTY" McMILLAN GARDNER, 83 LAKELAND - Mr. David "Scotty" McMillan Gardner, 83, of Lakeland, Florida died on May 11, 2014 due to a stroke. David was born July 14, 1930, in Cambuslang, Scotland to David and Margaret Gardner. David was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with family and following his passions for traveling, fishing and soccer. David's travel took him on numerous vacations throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa. He was always looking forward to that next trip, that next exciting or exotic location. David was an avid saltwater fisherman who enjoyed saltwater flats fishing as well as fishing off the beach. In South Africa, David played semiprofessional soccer. He was active in bringing soccer to youth and young adults in central Florida. In the late 70s, he was named Coach of the Year for the Florida Suncoast Soccer League. David's working career spanned several different occupations that included working in a shipyard as a teenager, working for the Anglo American Copper mine in Central Africa, and working in construction after immigrating to the United States in 1970. David leaves his local legacy in the many buildings and custom homes he built throughout central Florida over the last 30 years. David loved his church, First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. He could be found every Sunday morning for the past 40 years fulfilling his role as a greeter and usher at the early morning service. David married Colleen Rosamond Brown, whom he met in South Africa, in 1954. David and Colleen immigrated to the United States in 1970 with their two children. David was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Catherine Daly; brother, James Gardner; and his cherished grandson, Adam Tilrow Morrison. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Colleen Gardner; daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Joseph Morrison; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Ruth E. Gardner; granddaughters, Colleen and Claire Morrison; sister, Morag Pridgen; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 14 at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 'Cindy or Casey Cleveland', C/O Shepherd's Community United Methodist Church, 2165 Shepherd Road, Lakeland, FL, 33811 or http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/ support-for-the-cleveland-family/163536 .

David "Scotty" McMillan Gardner

July 14, 1930 - May 11, 2014