I still think about Dave often. We did quite a bit together and sometimes I even enjoyed the never ending stories and conversations.  I miss being called on to help out now and then and just the conversations themselves.  I'm a much bigger Celtics fan because of Dave. Talks about hikes and walks.. it was a great friendship.  Miss you bro!

Remembering you Dave on the first commorization of you crossing the Blues Bridge. Brother you gave your heart & soul to working & supporting the betterment of regional, to internationally acclaimed, roots musicians. I was fortunate enough to one of them. I always loved playing your requests (which was mostly anything from Mississippi John Hurt.) You were usually there when I would arrive at a club to set up,  as well the last person to leave at the end of the night. Your insistence on helping me load my gear never went unnoticed. After the last piece of equipment was packed, we'd stand out on the now, otherwise empty street. The intrinsic wealth of stories you'd continue to draw from would seamlessly continue for usually another 30 - 60 minutes. I'd hate to part, as I could tell you were just about to segue to yet another escapade or adventure. You were truly a griot i.e. a living library of over a half century of back stories & 🎵 musical history. We all need to remember as many of them as possible, and play & tell them forward to the younger musicians and audiences until we join you in the sky Lord...in the sky.

Dave's been gone a year today. I was thinking of him and missing him this weekend as I was travelling in NH. May his memory live on. Rest in peace, my friend.

This is an excellent tribute to Dave.  He is missed.   We loved chatting with him when he walked through our neighborhood, and he was a regular at the Derry Farmer’s Market.  Dave was a good man, and always provided a good conversation.  

We are so saddened to just learn of Dave’s passing. My husband and I met Dave 20+ years ago when he came into Hampstead Copy to print posters for HepTunes. Always a great chat with Dave about local music and up and comers throughout the years. 

We last saw Dave at “The Church” back in April when Sam Grisman played. It was so awesome to see him still enjoying music to the fullest. 

We’ll carry with us fond Memories of Dave. 

Beautiful soul, I regret I never played music with you Dave. God hold you brother. XXOO

I met Dave in Ogunquit in the late sixties. We established a good relationship based on common interests and saw each other frequently for about 15 years. I have fond memories of going to shows to see Gil Scott Heron, Herbie Hancock,The Meters among others. In the mid eighties my girlfriends daughter had a beautiful golden retriever that she wanted to breed. I called Dave , who also had a beautiful golden retriever and we met at the Robert Frost farm to let the dogs “meet”. I didn’t talk to Dave after that until our female had eight healthy pups. When I called Dave he told me that his dog had died of cancer and that his vet said that his dog,(I think his name was Simon) could not have sired pups given his illness. I told Dave that the vet was wrong and to come to Merrimac and pick out his new dog. With tears in his eyes Dave watched the puppies for about an hour before he picked one to take home. Unfortunately I had very little contact with him after that time but it was, and still is very gratifying to know that I was able to help him carry on that bloodline.

I just saw the poster for the open mic in Newburyport today and was like, “hey, I know him!”, and then was sad to learn it was a memorial for him.  When I was in high school I met Dave through my mom’s knowing Carol and because he would hang posters at Exeter Music where I worked.  Despite not knowing me very well, he enthusiastically got me backstage with Toots and the Maytals and to be able to record them at a separate event… without a blink he let me into a Jorma K. show he organized because at the time I didn’t really have any extra cash for music, and he was just such a supporter of music fans getting to see good music.

I loved reading more about Dave here and send big love to his family as they continue to remember him.  What a guy.

Dear Carol and Family, 

I just learned of Dave’s death. I am very sad to hear this news. I send you all love and light❤️

I first met Dave body surfing on Plum Island back in the 90’s. We saw each other regularly there. Then I followed his music scene, Greg Brown, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Ricky Lee Jones, Natalie McMasters, Richard Thompson, Commander Cody, to name a few.  Always a great show whether at City Hall in Nbpt, Nock Middle School, or Newburyport  HS! It was always fantastic and the artists were mostly accessible. Thank you for all the fabulous memories, Dave❤️

Again my love to you Carol and Family ❤️

XoAnia O’Connor

I enjoyed working with Dave at NEER North, the equine rescue he volunteered at. He was a super hard worker and I could always tell when he’d been there because he’d taken the time to throw hay down from the loft and stack it to the ceiling, often in sweltering heat. He always had so many interesting stories to tell and I have very fond memories of him.  One day he took me down the road to show me where to pick edible mushrooms he loved. I remember he also insisted that I try tempeh! I’m so sad to hear he’s passed. 

This condolence is from David's loving Aunt Helen...

Dear David,

Twenty years ago you and your brother Robert attended one of the many storied McLaughlin reunions hosted by your cousin Keith and his wife Laura. At this event you were embraced by the surviving members of the fast diminishing older generation and warmly welcomed by your peer generation. When your brother Jack came East a short while later, after long years, the second generation of the extended McLaughlin family was complete.

Through the ensuing years, many other gatherings both large and small - happy times which you enlivened and energized; sad times at which you were a compassionate and consoling presence.

Twenty years was not long enough to know the sons of John and Dorothea McLaughlin. David, I love you and shall miss you like I miss two other McLaughlin nephews who died within the last eight months and your brother Robert a few years ago - all four of you Democrats!

My loving sympathy to your beautiful family, your brother Jack, your sister-in-law Sharon and all the young people who love you.

Aunt (by marriage) Helen - lone survivor of the oldest McLaughlin generation.  

Dear Carol, Liz, and Lydia and Cousin Jack, 

I am so sorry for your loss!  Ironically, I only met my Cousin David once at my own dad's funeral in 2005.  What a beautiful tribute you wrote.  Made me very sad at the loss of knowing him and you all over the years.  My deepest sympathy.

Amy McLaughlin Margolis (and family)

I'm very sorry for your loss.  

My family and I enjoyed our conversations with David at cousin Billy's services last October.  Another awesome McLaughlin gracing heaven with their presence this year.  Sending love to your whole family.  

Carol, Liz, and Lydia, I am so sorry to learn of Dave's passing. We made a lot of memories together over 30 years. It was a very nice write-up of his life as well. It was only a few weeks ago I was loaning him my jump pack to start the car. He introduced me to musical artists I probably would never have been aware of and broadened my Musical Outlook. I have many fond memories. 

With my deepest of condolences to you all.

Ron and Sue Petrin 

I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed many conversations with Dave over the years, when we would be out walking around the neighborhood. Fond memories also of the concerts we attended, he was so passionate about the musicians. Very sad to hear this news. Hugs to Liz, Lydia and Carol. 

We are so sorry. And we just love your beautiful tribute. Dave was a great guy, a kind friend, and a stalwart supporter. He worked hard to bring music to people, and that was inspiring to see. We'd often run into him outside, putting up posters, always seemingly underdressed for the weather. Loved him and his "hyperlocal Merrimack Valley accent." 

Our deepest condolences to Dave’s family. He contributed so much to our family and was such a big part of our collective community’s musical family, heart and soul. He is an icon who will be truly missed by us and so many! 💙🙏🏻🎶

I just read about my cousin David! I am so sad that another cousin passed away. My condolences to David’s family,

My condolences to Dave’s family, who I’m sorry to say I never met. But as a musician and music lover, I certainly was blessed to know him, and deeply appreciate all the concerts Heptunes brought to New England. Rock on, Dave! 🙏🏼

Dear Liz, Lydia and Carol,

Our deepest condolences in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this very difficult time. 

Love, Charlie and Michele Smith

My condolences to David's family. I first met David when  we were in grammar school and neighbors at Hampton Beach.... Middle school brought us together as dear friends who enjoyed parties, after school vanilla Cokes at the Transfer Station.... Our "HANGING OUT" continued through High School at the beach and in Nashua.  We found each other again in the Derry Hampstead area and he even took the time to visit my childcare at both locations!  Coffee and an occasional Lunch made us realize that our daughters were together at Pinkerton and upon their Graduation their choice of careers brought them together!  Of late I was so thrilled to attend one of Dave's talented musicians concert!  We communicated up until last year and SADLY we have not touched base since.   My HEART goes out to His GIRLS (His love and Pride just shined when he spoke of you !  Elizabeth? meeting you was a highlight 2 Decades ago! )  To the classes of 1967,68,and 69..... David and his brother Bob will always be bright lights as we all have such special memories to hold in our hearts.   I would be honored to attend his CELBRATION of LIFE.... Being in his company for over 65 years WAS always a CELBRATION for me!  Heaven and all those gone before us are so lucky to have you!

Dear family and friends, 

              I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. I knew David well and I will miss his music shows and conversations. Rest in Please , Love Krista