David Leslie McQuay

David Leslie McQuay, 80, of Tilghman, Maryland, passed away at Easton Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Dave was born on November 13, 1944, the son of Samuel T. McQuay and Irma Harrison McQuay. He graduated from St. Michaels High School in 1962, then began working at the Oxford Laboratory with their experimental Oyster Culture Program. In 1976, he left the lab and began working with his father, with whom he had apprenticed all through his high school years. Samuel T. McQuay had learned the boatbuilding trade most prominently from his father-in-law, John B. Harrison, a second-generation boatbuilder known for building many sail-powered oystering vessels and log canoes. S.T. McQuay & Son in Wittman, Maryland, specialized in building and repairing local wooden commercial fishing and leisure boats, as well as spar and mast repairs. When Sam McQuay passed away in 1979, Dave continued the business on his own. Over the years, he was a trusted local expert on several big jobs. At the time of his father’s death, they had been given the task of restoring the log canoe, Flying Cloud, which had been brought down from New York in pieces. The boat had to be rebuilt and put back together. It was quite a job for one man, but also a joy and privilege to restore the beautiful boat his grandfather, John B. Harrison, had built originally. Many other log canoes, as well as skipjacks and schooners, were worked on by Dave over the years, mostly repairing or replacing masts and spars. He also built several modern-style wooden boats, including a 40-ft. sport fisherman, two C-flex fiberglass workboats, and several small leisure boats and skiffs. He maintained one of the only working railways for hauling boats in the area and, in the 1980’s and 90’s, averaged hauling 35 boats per year for various maintenance and repair jobs. He prioritized helping local watermen—no matter the time of day or what other jobs he had underway—and getting them back on the water as soon as possible. Dave came from a large family with multi-generational roots in Tilghman Island. He learned about boating, fishing, crabbing, oystering, and hunting at a young age and became a consummate outdoorsman. He loved to sail and was part of the crew on several different log canoes from the 1970’s all the way through the early 2000’s. He had vast knowledge of and love for local ecology, seasonal changes, birds, and wildlife. Waterfowling was undoubtedly his favorite pastime. In the late 1980’s, Dave came highly recommended to Mr. Peter Tulloch of New York who had purchased Coaches Island off Tilghman to use as a hunting retreat and was looking for a caretaker. Dave took the job in addition to running his boatbuilding business and oversaw island maintenance, including groundskeeping, boat maintenance, home building and repairs, hiring/logistics of service contractors, and more. He kept the job until 2024. As a teenager, Dave also began a lifetime of local service to his community. He joined the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department and served as a firefighter for many years, then began to take on administrative duties, including serving multiple terms as President. He also was a member and Past President of the Talbot County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the Eastern Shore Volunteer Fireman’s Association. In 2008, he was appointed a board member of the Maryland State Firefighters Association Volunteer Company Assistance Fund. In 2009, he was inducted into the Maryland State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame. Dave also served on the Talbot County Short Term Rental Board for several years. Additionally, Dave was a member and Past Master of Granite Lodge #177 A.F. and A.M. in St. Michaels, Maryland. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite. Dave shared his love of the Eastern Shore and local way of life and service with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was known for his dedication, generosity, humor, and ability to tell a great story. Especially in his later years, he was dedicated to preserving local history and sharing his knowledge and family memorabilia with local museums, co-historians, and friends. Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Helen Cummings McQuay; his children Vicki (Rob) Pierce, Jessica McQuay, and David (Patti) McQuay; his grand-daughter, Rylie Pierce; his sister, Lynda (Pedro) Mora; his nieces, Lynda (Ryan) Thibodaux and Rebecca Ball; and his nephews, Daniel (Heather) Mora and Billy (Eve) Ball. He was preceded in death by his nephew, David Mora. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison Street in Easton, Maryland, at noon. Friends and family may visit that day starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Spring Hill Cemetery in Easton, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department or Tilghman Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary.

David Leslie McQuay

November 13, 1944 - October 28, 2025