David Bruce Robertson

David Bruce Robertson, affectionately known by many as Davey, Doritha, Pookie, Poppa, Uncle Angel, Coach Dave, put on his favorite cap, loaded up his best tackle, and set sail on his final fishin’ trip on Saturday, July 12, 2014. He was a vibrant 67 years old and would like to always be remembered as younger than his sister-in-law, Terry. David was a joker, a smoker, and a midnight toker. He was born in 1947 to a proud Air Force father and a beautiful Slavic mother, Charles and Marion. As an adolescent, he explored the Biloxi marshes and wilderness areas along Back Bay. It wasn’t long before he developed a vast love for life and a deep understanding of nature. He graduated from Biloxi High in 1965 as a gifted clarinet player who played and marched in the Biloxi High marching band, always to the beat of his own drummer. When he wasn’t blowing the doors off the school, he spent much of his younger days running the streets along the coast with his many friends, especially his two brothers from different mothers, “Mikey” Beard and the late “Buzzy” Edwards (together dubbed The Three Amigos). After graduating high school, he briefly served in the Army Reserves before beginning a storied career as a bellhop and manager at the Buena Vista Hotel in Biloxi. During his time there he spent many late nights jazzing it up with local musicians and rubbing elbows with the big shots, until he met the girl of his dreams and lovely wife, Gail. He soon began what would be a long career working at Ingalls Shipyard before he and Gail married in 1976. Soon after that they decided to build a family, and although David always imagined having a girl he could call “Clarabelle”, they became the proud parents of two sons, Charlie and Scott, who would become the center of his universe. Turning his attention to fatherhood, he guided his boys as they began their journey through life. They were his first mates and deckhands on many family fishing trips. He became actively involved with his sons in Boy Scouts of America, Little League baseball, and club soccer. He was the icon of a proud father and mentor. Among his many passions in life were sailing and fishing along the MS Gulf coast where he developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of Mother Nature, which he passed on to his two sons. He was a man that enjoyed many things, like going on evening walk-abouts through the woods, sashaying through his flower gardens, bumpin’ to good music with his boyz while wearing his hat backwards, drinking tall glasses of milk, and laughing it up with his family and friends. He was never known to pass up a Barq’s root beer and an oyster poboy, as long as it didn’t interfere with his schedule. He was a hilarious man, a caring and amazing husband, a loving, generous, and proud father, and a loyal friend to many. And although he is no longer with us, he will forever remain in our hearts and we will always cherish the fond memories we have of him. His love of life was evident in all that he did and this is how his memory will be kept alive. Doing the things that David loved to do and knowing that a part of his spirit remains in each of those who know and love him. David is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marion Robertson. His survivors include his wife of 37 years, Gail Mowrey Robertson; his sons, Charles Everett Robertson, III and Scott Daniel Robertson; and his brother, Gary Robertson. Memorial donations may be made in David's name to The Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Wednesday, July 16, 2014 with a 10 am service on Thursday, July 17, 2014 all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.