David P. Garland

David P. Garland, 58
SCARBOROUGH -- David P. Garland, 58, of Tenney Lane in Scarborough, passed peacefully from this life on July 1, 2012, with his loving family at his side following a long struggle with melanoma.
Born in Freeport on Sept. 3, 1953, he was the son of Frank E. Garland III and Phyllis Dennison Garland. David graduated from Freeport High School in 1971 and USM in 1976 with a degree in Accounting. At Freeport High School he participated in basketball and baseball, and played trombone in the band where he had the opportunity to march in the Cherry Blossom Festival in 1969. As a child he was a member of the family's band, The Harmonica Kids, who played throughout Maine and appeared on the national TV show, the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in 1963. He enjoyed many summer days at the Garland family's camp in Bartlett, N.H. One of the highlights of each year for David was hosting the Garland family Thanksgiving celebration at his home often numbering over 30 people.
David was employed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 33 years all in the Medicare division. He was well respected both locally and nationally as in expert in Medicare reimbursement issues. He cherished the many wonderful friendships he made with coworkers and colleagues.
An avid sports fan David gave up warming the bench in baseball when he discovered the challenges of golf. He spent years perfecting his game and was a true student of the sport. On July 19, 2011, he scored his first career hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Nonesuch River Golf Course. He enjoyed sports trivia and baffled many with his knowledge of frivolous golf facts. He and his brother Frank attended all the home games of the 1975 World Series and all the Celtics playoff home games in 1976 and 1977.
David P. Garland
Mostly, David was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his boys.He remained optimistic and hopeful throughout his illness to the astonishment of many. We will miss his corny puns, great kindness, and gracious gentle manner. He was truly one of a kind. As one of his friends said, 'David was the nicest person I have ever known.'
David is survived by his wife of 20 years, Deanna Amergian Garland; two sons, Russell and Roy, all of Scarborough; mother, Phyllis Garland of Freeport; three sisters, Ramona Campbell and husband Edward of Gardiner, Donna Brewer and husband Bradley of Freeport, Tami Terpstra and husband Gerald of Freeport, three brothers, Frank E. Garland IV and wife Janet of Hampstead, N.H., Lawrence Garland of Freeport, Stephen Garland and Catherine Kroot of Portland; his in-laws, Nazareth and Joan Amergian of South Portland; sisters-in-law, Marta Miles and husband Jeff of Portland and Rachel Amergian of Austin, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Frank in 2011.
The family would like to thank the staff of R4 at Maine Medical Center for their excellent care of David during his recent hospitalization.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, July 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. A private celebration of David's life will be held at a later date. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:
Project G.R.A.C.E
P.O. Box 6846
Scarborough, Maine 04074-6846
or South Portland Food Cupboard
611 Main St.
South Portland, Maine 04106