It is with great sadness that we let you know of the passing of our leader and beloved friend, Jeff McClary, co-founder and SCUTE Coordinator. Jeff, an electrician and his friend Chris Marlowe, a plumber, were asked by SCDNR’s Sally Murphy to start the turtle protection project for the north coast in the late 1980s. Their program grew from a handful of volunteers to what it is today. Jeff directly or indirectly trained all of us volunteers and leaves behind a wonderful legacy and a species making a comeback. He worked tirelessly and mostly at his own expense to do whatever it took to protect sea turtles. We all owe Jeff and Chris a great deal of gratitude. Jeff’s passing leaves a tremendous void but we will carry on the work he started in his memory. He certainly left this world a better place than he found it.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place on the beach Saturday, May 6 with a rain date of May 7th. The symbolism here is the beginning of the new turtle season. A location will be announced this week.
