Tilghman Island and all of Talbot County lost one of their quiet heroes with the recent passing of David “Dave” Leslie McQuay. Dave’s life was a model of dedication — to his family, to his community, and to the Eastern Shore way of life that he cherished and worked so hard to preserve.
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A lifelong resident of Tilghman Island, Dave graduated from St. Michaels High School in 1962 and went on to work with the Oxford Laboratory’s pioneering oyster-culture program before joining his father in the family’s waterman business. Whether working the Bay, repairing boats, or helping his neighbors, Dave embodied the perseverance and work ethic that define our maritime communities.
But it was through his tireless civic service that Dave left his deepest mark. A life member and past president of the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company, he was instrumental in strengthening local fire and rescue services and in mentoring younger generations of volunteers. His leadership extended beyond the island — he also served on the Maryland State Firefighters Association’s Volunteer Company Assistance Fund (VCAF) board, helping volunteer fire companies across the state secure critical equipment and support.
Dave’s steady hand and civic-mindedness also extended into county service. He brought his deep sense of fairness and community insight to the Talbot County Short Term Rental Review Board, where I had the privilege of serving alongside him. Dave’s thoughtful, even-tempered approach helped guide discussions with respect and integrity. As Chair of the Board, I can say without hesitation that his presence elevated our work and his absence will be deeply felt.
At a recent Talbot County Council meeting, members of the Council offered their thanks to Dave for making Talbot County and Tilghman Island a better place. Those sentiments ring true for anyone who knew him. His legacy is not only in the institutions he served, but in the countless people whose lives he touched through friendship, mentorship, and service.
David McQuay will be deeply missed — by his beloved family, by his fellow volunteers at the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company, by those of us who served with him in county government, and by the entire community he helped to build and protect. His life stands as a reminder that true community leadership doesn’t always come from behind a podium, but from showing up — year after year, quietly and faithfully, to do the work that matters.
Keith Watts
Tilghman Island, Maryland
Brian Wroten says
Mr. Dave is a legend! RIP
Lisa G says
Wow, what a beautiful tribute to truly amazing man!
He was a great friend , so nice and supportive.
He will be missed by so many
Danna Murden says
The island has lost a treasure trove of local history. His memory of the past was amazing. I have asked him many times to write the information down if he hasn’t I hope he has told it all often enough that his children are the next to hold the treasures. Dave will be greatly missed.
Helen McQuay says
Thank you, Keith, for the wonderful tribute to my beloved husband.
He will be sorely missed by many, but especially by his children and me, as well as other family members.
Keith Alan Watts says
Helen,
Thank you for the kind words.
Our prayers — and our thoughts — are with you at this time.
“And when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
“Now cracks a noble heart. — Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
~ W. Shakespeare