Obituary
Fitzroy Anderson Scotland, more affectionately known as “Scottie” or “Mr. Scott” was born on July 26, 1949, in a small coastal village in Dominica –an island in the Caribbean. On 28th February 1975, Fitzroy married the love of his life, Clemina Scotland nee Toulon, who bore him four children – Sean, Sherma, Samantha and Tamara – Sophia.
He lived most of his life in his beloved Dominica but migrated to Florida USA in 2000, with his wife and youngest child Tamara. It was a tough decision to leave behind a part of his family, friends and the Caribbean life in general, but he believed that his presence in the USA would be better for his family in the long run. He settled in Ocala, Florida and found employment at American Panel. It was a great shift, as he had been a printer all his life; however, he welcomed the challenge and was recognized and rewarded for giving meritorious service there being employee of the month on numerous occasions.
Fitzroy was born to a Catholic family, and his love for Christ and the church was evident throughout his life. Fitzroy loved praying the rosary and never said no to prayer. He was always willing to partake in discussions re his faith, the bible and Christian life. His greatest contribution to the church was as a member of the St. Ann Parish in Dominica. There, Fitzroy served as choir member, guitarist, Prayer group co-founder, church repair man. He will always be remembered for building the altar at that church as well as writing the Parish Feast Song. In Ocala, he celebrated mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary and became a member of the Knights of Columbus.
From Childhood, Fitzroy developed intense love for the land and grew to be a successful farmer. He spent long hours working beside his father on the farm and continued with even more fervor after his father passed. It was his greatest pleasure to return home with his produce and partake of family meals that he knew came from his own labor.
Socially, Fitzroy was the man of the hour, and brought great life to any gathering. He was the captain of his community’s Domino club, ‘Salisbury Rockers’ and led his team to numerous victories. For a while he was actively involved in playing cricket but later enjoyed following the games on television. He had great confidence in the West Indies cricket team and almost never missed a televised game.
But probably one of Fitzroy’s greatest loves was calypso music, especially that of the Mighty Sparrow. Every opportunity to listen and dance to the sweet calypso rhythms was seized. So much was his love for music/calypso that it sparked interest in his children and grandchildren. It was to his greatest delight when his daughter Samantha became interested in calypso and entered into the national competition. Fitzroy served as song writer and coach and was elated when she was crowned Calypso Queen in 1996. Incidentally both of Samantha’s children also took part in calypso competitions much to Fitzroy’s delight. Further, his only son, Sean, also developed a great love for music and is now the founder of a successful band “Aftermaff” in Dominica.
Fitzroy loved his family dearly and was very proud of their achievements. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being with his eight grandchildren. Sadly, it was during this time that his health began to deteriorate and his mobility was greatly impaired. During the latter part of his life, Fitzroy suffered from dementia and symptoms of a rare type of Parkinson’s disease. He succumbed to his illness on Thursday, March 30 at 9:30 am. His final words, while holding on to the hands of his wife and youngest daughter were, “I love you, I love you all.” Arrangements by Baldwin Brothers Funerals and Cremations 954 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 352-236-5884.
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