David "Scotty" Armitt MacLaren Obituary (1938 - 2019)

Sadly, and to the immense shock of his family and friends, we have to say goodbye to a man who has forever brightened the lives of countless people. Scotty was always quick to make someone laugh, had an uncanny ability to raise funds for an untold number of charities, and dedicated much of the past 40 years to being the best Santa Clause possible (to adults and kids alike). He will be truly and forever missed by those whose lives he touched. Scotty was born in Aberfeldy, Scotland to David and Christina (McLeod) MacLaren. From an early age, he showed an aptitude for numbers and soccer - two things that would heavily influence his 80 years of life. In 1954, at the young age of 15, Scotty left school to apprentice as a "Fitter and Turner" (known as a Pipefitter here in Canada) for the Royal Navy. His gift for numbers and ability to work well with his hands, enabled him to quickly master his trade and move up the ranks. Five years later, in 1959, Scotty was called into service by Her Majesty the Queen and joined the 3rd Carabiniers (Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards), part of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade of the British Army. Garrisoned in England, he was deployed to Cyprus, Aden and finally to the Middle East, in 1961, as part of Operation Vantage to deter Iraqi threats to seize the then newly independent state of Kuwait. Throughout his time in Her Majesty's service, he drove a Centurion MK3 battle tank and was the lead tank driver for his squadron. Scotty was honorably discharged in 1963. In 1967, Scotty immigrated to Canada and landed in Calgary, Alberta, where he became manager of the local Beaver Lumber and quickly earned his nickname for his love of Scotch and Scottish football (known as soccer here in Canada). Shortly thereafter he met his wife to be, Sheran Francis Alain, while visiting the offices of MacMillan Bloedel. In 1970, Scotty and Sheran were married and a few years later moved to Campbell River where they bought a house, settled down and raised their family. They remained in the same house, albeit remodelled and redecorated many times over, for the remainder of their lives. Over the next 46 years, Scotty established a legacy of community service and charity fund raising that won't easily be matched. He raised millions of dollars for charities including the United Way, BC Special Olympics, BC Cancer Society, the Campbell River Community Foundation, and Campbell River Search and Rescue. Scotty leaves behind four children (Carole, Valerie, Julie and David), five grandchildren (Kevin, Gina, Courtney, Carlie and Connor), and three great grandchildren (Frankie, Charlie, and Luke). Finally, he's now able to join his loving wife, Sheran, who passed away November 27th, 2017; May they now rest in peace, forever together. Please join the family on Saturday, March 23rd, at 11 AM at St. Patrick's Parish (34 South Alder Street, Campbell River) to put Scotty to rest and celebrate his time among us. Dress code: All things Scottish are welcome (kilts, tartans, etc.).