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David MacEachran Obituary
As an artist, Dave specialized in producing platinum print photographs and taught photography at New England College for nearly three decades. A beloved teacher, he stayed close to many former students well after his retirement. In addition to photography, Dave was an avid conservationist who worked to protect his local watershed and develop a trail network on his forested property.
Dave is a past president of the Isles of Shoals Historic and Research Association and helped found a volunteer group of stewards for Smuttynose Island, which lies off of Portsmouth. Under his tutelage, the wild and untamed island became a welcoming and delightful place for 'island lovers'. All will miss Dave's 'true Scotsman' frugality, conservatism, intellect, humor, and good cheer.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Judy MacEachran; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Virginia MacEachran; his daughter and son-in-law, Aimée and Christopher Gerbi; and four grandchildren.
A celebration of Dave's life will take place later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Stewards of Smuttynose and Malaga Islands, Attn: Constantine Harris, Treasurer, 142 Durham Point Road, Durham, NH 03824.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David MacEachran
Duncan Morrison
April 5, 2021
Dave's memorial page popped up in an email this morning and set my mind to remembering.
David told me early on to be aware of the line separating documentation of a scene with the interpretation of it, that based on how I see, it'd always be an issue. Therein lies the art of photography.
This nugget of wisdom, along with the technical skills he emphasized, makes all the difference; I remember, and I continue to offer my thanks and appreciation each and every time I go out.
Patsy McReynolds
April 5, 2020
David lives on in my heart. I will never forget him, or his dear family who shared a part of my life
Love and blessings to all his loved ones
Patsy McReynolds
Laurence Bussey
April 5, 2020
Ah yes, David was a great friend and we shared many adventures together. Our mutual love for 'anything water', brought us together on Smuttynose Island from the early days of 'Edith's Rangers', to fun-in-the-sun at Ocean Isles, Marathon, FL, where his parents bought a condo in the fifties. We shot rats, raised a flagpole on Smuttynose 20 years ago as a tribute to Aunt Rozzie Thaxter, and I learned how to fly a 'competition' kite under his tutorship. David possessed an artistic photographic eye, and viewed the world around him through a telephoto lens. His personality was infectious...in a good way, and he left memorable footprints along his pathway of life. I'm looking forward to connecting with David again... ~!
Sunset
Marg Whedon
May 6, 2014
Kite Flying on Smuttynose
Marg Whedon
May 6, 2014
Star Trails over Gull Cottage
John Whedon
May 6, 2014
John Lyons
April 29, 2014
Dave was my valued colleague at NEC for thirty years. His dedication to students in their professional and personal development was inspirational.
Erin Nicholson
April 16, 2014
David was one of the best professors I ever had! A tough teacher at times but he knew how to motivate his students. He was a great man and I will miss him dearly!
Bruce Brody
April 16, 2014
David was in my freshman class at New England College some years ago. Back then he was already a great photographer with a huge camera. He was a great person and although I lost contact with him years ago I remember him fondly. Condolences to his family and friends.
Janice M
April 16, 2014
I am a former student of Dave's from New England College, I learned about life as it was/is through his teachings as he brought out a beautiful vision in me through my photography. Regards and blessings to his family and friends and extended students all.
Tim (NEC '80)
April 16, 2014
Dave would have appreciated this song by NH native Bill Morrissey (RIP) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FjngOMl6tE
Duncan
April 15, 2014
David was a delightful man and a great teacher who brought his vast technical experience into the classroom and the darkroom. He was the only photography teacher at little New England College and yet many of his students, myself included went on to careers in photography. A testament to his ability.
David, you will be missed. Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Bill Hatt
April 13, 2014
Dave was a kind friend and colleague at New England College. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Patsy McReynolds
April 13, 2014
I knew him for a very short time, but will always remember him as a friend. He will live on in our hearts and through his family.
Patsy McReynolds
Sunrise on Smuttynose
Marcus
April 12, 2014
Trying to sum-up our friendship. Can't be done in words really. Mentor, Friend, Dive buddy. You told me when I graduated College: " The niece thing about watching your students graduate is; they become your peers."....You were a man of your word...I will miss our talks greatly skip'.
Marg Whedon
April 12, 2014
Dave, I recall one of our visits on a hot summer day as we floated around in Haley Harbor & just outside the stone pier in Gosport, the small waves rocking us a bit, supporting a long wonderful conversation about all sorts of stuff. What a great way to visit with a friend, immersed in a place many of us love - the Isles of Shoals and their ocean waters. Fair winds to you old friend!
You will be missed.
Brian Wilson
April 12, 2014
Dave was my teacher and friend, he will be greatly missed. He taught me so much not just about photography but about life and friendship.
Ratatouille Patrol - March 2012
Laurence Bussey
April 11, 2014
Dave, You were always such an inspiration with your enthusiasm for nature and the environment, and your affection for "everything Shoals". We had years of fun together on the islands, and of course your kite maneuvering skills were of 'gold medal quality'. Wherever you are at the moment, I know you're flyin' high! Cheers, Mate... -Laury
Laurence Bussey
April 11, 2014
Dave, you were such a good friend to all, and your infectious enthusiasm for everything "Shoals", was an inspiration. You were a great boating buddy! --Laury
Jean Stefanik
April 11, 2014
Dave will be missed. His spirit will be remembered out on the Isles of Shoals.
Warren Denby
April 11, 2014
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to David's family and friends. For many years, he was an active member of early morning gatherings at the Apothecia teashop in Goffstown. His warmth and sincerity was always appreciated. His love of life, art and photography brought a vivid perspective to those of us who grew to know and recognize his kind soul. Though his shutter has closed for the last time, his image will remain in our hearts forever.
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