Robert A. McQuade

August 1947 ~ November 2019

Remembering Robert “Bob” McQuade

Born into a middle-class family in the village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Bob lived a life that was anything but ordinary. Though he sometimes preferred solitude, he was a man of wit, warmth, and quiet charisma. He possessed a rare brilliance—academically gifted, endlessly curious, and talented beyond measure.

Bob’s path was anything but linear. After attending the University of Massachusetts, he took on a cost engineering role on a multi-million-dollar electrical project, then shifted gears entirely to pursue life as a professional golfer. He spent years on the pro circuit, sharing fairways with legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

When golf no longer satisfied him, Bob headed north, where he reinvented himself yet again. With nothing more than determination and a borrowed book for guidance, he learned tile work and quickly rose to become the General Manager of the Vermont division of Quechee Lakes, overseeing the development of an entire recreational village.

During this chapter of his life, Bob purchased and renovated a historic boarding house and barn in Enfield, New Hampshire, converting them into apartments. Eventually, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a contracting business building homes across the Upper Valley. But when the winters grew too long and too cold, he reinvented himself once again—this time as an art gallery owner and framer. The Red Roof Frame Shop became a vibrant gathering place, drawing art lovers from across the region.

At 65, Bob traded business suits and tool belts for the freedom of the open road. With his three beloved Maltese pups as travel companions, he set out in a Class A motorhome to chase sunshine, wildlife, and the perfect 70 degrees. His travels took him from the Gulf Coast to the wild beauty of Alaska, and most often along the rugged Oregon and Washington coastlines, where he found endless inspiration for his photography and painting.

In 2017, Bob’s journey took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He faced his illness with the same resilience and independence that defined his life. Though treatments brought only temporary relief, he never stopped exploring, photographing, or creating. In his final years, he returned east to revisit the landscapes and coastlines he had loved since childhood, a farewell tour of sorts through New England’s mountains, lakes, and seashores.

Bob left behind more than memories—he left a legacy of creativity. Though he was best known for his photography, his watercolors and acrylics found homes with collectors around the country. Many of his photographs, originally captured as references for his paintings, remain archived in his collection. As technology allows, we hope to bring more of these works to light in print form.

For now, Bob’s legacy lives on here at McQuade Fine Arts. His images, his vision, and his spirit remain with us, a reminder of a life lived boldly, creatively, and on his own terms.

We invite you to explore his art, share in his story, and return often, as we continue to discover and celebrate new pieces from his remarkable journey.