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David MacLeod Obituary
David was born and raised in Montchanin, DE and graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School in 1976. From an early age, he felt a tremendous affinity for nature and devoted himself to a wide range of environmental causes. He helped to develop the original Delaware Nature Center (now Brandywine Creek State Park) and was active in the Brandywine Valley Association, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, and several other advocacy groups for environmental and social causes.
Dave had a magical ability to inspire love and understanding of nature. By living and sharing his passion and knowledge, he helped us step outside of daily routines and celebrate the beauty around us. Described by many as a real life Lorax, Dave had a passion not only for trees, but for all things wild including - to the joy of many a young person - frogs and bugs. He became a skilled arborist at Winterthur Museum and Gardens and then ran his own tree business until health problems forced him from the tree tops. David was unyielding in his dedication to community and his vision for humanity, a vision of selflessness and love.
Survivors include his mother, Jan MacLeod of Jenners Pond, PA; three brothers, Jamie (Kathy) of Lexington KY, Alex of Seattle WA, Ken (Meera) of Columbia MO, and his sister, Jenny (Sandy) Brook of Evergreen CO. "Uncle Dadie" was especially close to, and will be dearly missed by, his five nieces and nephews, Erin (KY), Riley and Conner (CO), Kiren and Kaya (MO).
A Remembrance Gathering for David will be held at the Friends Meeting on 153 East Harmony Road (next to Old Baltimore Pike) in West Grove, PA on Saturday, August 11 at 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Ave, Annapolis MD 21403, another environmental group, or through a personal 'pay it forward' effort of kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David MacLeod
Kevin D Brown
January 24, 2023
What an amazing man! Whether climbing trees or exploring a Delaware cave he had a zest for nature. David I still think of you when I go to Brandywine Creek.
Sara Suchman
August 18, 2012
I just spoke with Ken last night and there are simply no words to encompass the shock or loss. I am so touched reading your family's beautiful words and others' postings about David. What a tribute to David and to the family and friends who loved him. Such a deep hole. Memories, hugs and love can't fill the loss, but I hope they may offer some solace. Much love always.
August 16, 2012
Dear MacLeod family -
We were so saddened today to learn of David's death. What a dear, sweet and gentle person. I always admired his passion for things natural and was awed by his adventures high up in the trees. I know you all will miss his dear spirit. With love, Margo and Jim Clyma
George Henderson
August 15, 2012
To Dave's Family-- What a glorious, glorious friend Dave was to me! I became close friends with Dave in Newark, when I was in college there back in the late 1970s. I have wonderful memories of him showing up at my door, excited to take me for a walk into some local woodlot where he'd found a patch of trillium in bloom. Or we'd walk over to the photo darkroom where he'd just developed some prints. He would pour over them in detail pointing out the textures he'd managed to capture in whatever object he'd photographed; maybe an old desk, or rusty paint can. It didn't matter, so long as light hit upon it. Or he would talk a blue streak about the wonders of going up high in a tree. Dave was a FORCE in my life and I was immensely fond of him as a person but also relished the change he made in me as his friend. Dave didn't just love nature. He had the deepest enthusiasm for the smallest of things and the subtlest of creations, including friendship. And, man, could he put on an impish grin. What a human being. The genuine article. Like others, I eventually moved away to make a life elsewhere. I lost touch with Dave although we did reconnect on a couple of occasions. I am saddened that I will have only memories: BUT THEY ARE GREAT ONES! And I'm so grateful to you for the gift of Dave MacLeod.
One of the many interesting projects Dave and I built together.
Greg Lyons
August 12, 2012
Dave and I met many years ago and we shared lots of projects, lunch under the shade of many trees, stories and therefore a long list of memories. He was a kind and gentle being whom loved all things living. He has taught me and brought me most of what I know about trees. He has made me a better woodworker and more importantly, a better human being. At first glance one would think Dave was hindered by his physical ailments, then we would talk about all the 1000 projects he wanted to complete by the end of that week. Those moments reminded me Lyme would never harm his spirit. Dave was, and will forever be!! I know I can speak for all that knew him when I say “Dave you will be sorely missed”!!
Bye for now!! Your long and now lost friend, Greg
Aloha from Peaceray
Peaceray Leonard
August 11, 2012
I was one of Dave's roommates when he lived at Bob Johnson's house on Good Hope Road in Landenberg. Although we have not been in touch with each other for many years, I am saddened that the joy of his spirit, his adventurousness, his advocacy, and his gentle humor will no longer grace this earth. Aloha David, and mahalo for all that you did with your life.
Hank Dowdy
August 11, 2012
Jan
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Hank Dowdy
Tori Gravuer (Maxmin)
August 11, 2012
Dear Mrs. MacLeod, Jenny and Family,
I am so sorry to learn about David's passing. Please know that you are all in both my thoughts and prayers as well as my families'. I send you my love especially during this very difficult time!
Carroll Ivy
August 11, 2012
Dear MacLeod family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carroll Ivy Laurence
Karen Pena
August 10, 2012
I was very sorry to hear about David. It has been many years since I saw him but remember his great personality.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Greeley Pena
Anne, David, and John Allan
August 10, 2012
To Jan, Jamie, Alex, Kenny, and Jenny,
We're very sorry for your loss and send you our prayers and love from Boston, New York, and Columbia.
Steven Connor
August 10, 2012
A great friend to all of humanity, a true gentleman. You will be missed by all, be well & carry on my friend. I'll miss you.
Jenni (Fidance) Weldon
August 10, 2012
Dear Ken & Jenny (and the rest of the family) -
I am so very, very sorry about your brother!
jennifer reynolds
August 10, 2012
Dave was a beautiful mix of seriousness and sweetness with the depth and breadth of an old soul. Lucky to have the delight of knowing him.
Bob Penneys
August 10, 2012
We just saw him the day before. He was an intrinsic part of the family community here. He loved Bernie and Roz, Maria and all of us. We had figured on many an encounter and caper to come and are confounded to miss him and his smile and point of view. Thanks for all you were and did and being with us.
Chelsea Zaldivar
August 9, 2012
I'm away in Colorado and a thoughtful friend from work called me to let me know David had passed. I work at Home Grown Cafe, a place he would frequently come and grace us with his smile. He would always have something nice to say and ask how life was going. I'll always remember his love for life, nature, and his kind smile. I'm sorry I won't be home to show my respects. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences.
Cheryl Bjornson
August 9, 2012
Jan, What a smile. He always had a great smile. That smile will be missed! Dad and I send our most sincere condolences
sally wilson
August 9, 2012
one in a million; a light that shined upon the monotony of the day....
John Filicicchia
August 9, 2012
Wow! I sit in my school office today, startled by the news of Dave's death that came to me via a phone call from my wife. I worked with Dave (and many others) in trees throughout Delaware and Pennsylvania. I spent countless hours at his shop & workng the saw mill. What great times we had! What a soul he is! Just this weekend I was trimming trees, thinking of Dave, Pat, and others and all they taught me about trees and life. My sincere condolences to his family. He lives on in all of us.
Joan Rector
August 9, 2012
I met David while working at Starbucks. He came in weekly and brought his dogs. He was like an old friend who stopped by to have a cup of coffee, read the paper, share a story and would bring the dogs out of car to visit. In return we would treat them to whipped cream on a lid. I so enjoyed his visits. He will be sadly missed. Our lives were touched by him and we are better for that.
Maureen (Reynolds) Zito
August 9, 2012
Jan I am so sad for you, your family, and all who loved him. He was so kind and thoughtful. And in his spirit I will pay forward his compassion as steward of the earth.
August 8, 2012
Jan and family my most heartfelt sympathy to you all. I did not know David well but just being a member of your family says it all. Gone to soon.
Lena O'Toole
Sandy Clinton
August 8, 2012
Dave MacLeod...friend, storyteller, humanist, Earth-connected, soulful, deeply loving, biggest feet I've ever seen, genuine belly laugher, lover of children - large and small, "tree-guy", never hurt a fly, spirited and spiritual. Your flame will never extinguish amongst those who knew you, loved you, and were honored to be considered your friend. A deep loss for us all.
Sandy Clinton
August 8, 2012
Dave MacLeod...friend, storyteller, humanist, Earth-connected, soulful, deeply loving, biggest feet I've ever seen, genuine belly laugher, lover of children - large and small, "tree-guy", never hurt a fly, spirited and spiritual. Your flame will never extinguish amongst those who knew you, loved you, and were honored to be considered your friend. A deep loss for us all.
Will Hurd
August 8, 2012
Though David may be gone his memory cannot be erased from those that knew him.
Autumn trees @ White Clay Creek
Rhonda & John Brown
August 8, 2012
Dave was a ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone he met. He always had a warm smile and an interesting story to share. His example as a humanitarian was stellar to none. A true gentlemen and friend. Our hearts are heavy and will always hold a special place for a very caring man. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Corner Cafe
August 8, 2012
The staff and customers at the Corner Cafe are sadden by the loss of such a kind and inspiring man. He will be greatly missed.
Michael Green,
August 8, 2012
Not a Lorax...half Ent, half Elf.
Onward, David!
Git Oesterle
August 8, 2012
A rare individual who I have considered a friend since I met him. A sad day indeed.
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