David L. Kay

   David L. Kay, 69, Clayton passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center.  Born in Watertown, NY on May 29, 1955, he was the son of Norman R. and Dorothy A. (Collins) Kay. He was a 1973 graduate of Thousand Islands High School where he was active in football and wrestling, attended and played football at Dickinson State University, N.D, and graduated from Utica College.

   On December 29, 1973 he married Virginia E. "Ginny" Bazinet at St. Mary's Church, Clayton with Rev. Dennis Lynch officiating. Ginny passed away on December 2, 2016.

   During his high school and college years, David was a lifeguard and started his boating career at the Clayton Boat Line  After graduating, David owned and operated Chateau Foamers, specializing in roofing, siding, and insulation. His love of the St. Lawrence River took him back to the water as a First Mate on the “Spirit of 98” under Captain Kenneth Johnson, his longtime friend and career mentor, on St. Lawrence Cruise Lines out of Kingston, Ontario. He became a licensed Captain and was contracted to relocate the "Spirit of '98" from Kingston, through the Panama Canal, to its destination in Seattle, WA for America Cruise West where he was hired and worked for several years. David retired from Lindblad Expeditions in 2020 where he captained the National Geographic "Sea Bird".   His captain career took him to Alaska, Columbia-Snake River, Mexico and Costa Rica to name a few. David was the owner and operator of Clayton Island Tours, the Chateau Country Inn and Kay’s Kitchen for the past 20 years. His dream was to share the St. Lawrence River with guests, family and friends and that dream will continue. He considered his staff his family, especially his longtime management team of Deborah Scholes, Beth Rusho, Trish Hunt and Brian Drappo.

   David has been described as a “gentle giant” and a lifelong friend to so many. He was a member of Sons of the American Legion Colon-Couch Post 821 and Watertown Elks Lodge 496. He lived for his family, his business and an “occasional” Coors Light! He enjoyed sports, especially the Syracuse Orange and the NY Jets. David was a ‘dog guy’ previously dad to Gunther and Skipper and currently his Miniature Aussies, Kai and Ginger. David would make several trips to Florida in the winter months to spend time with his beloved mother, sister and brother.

   David is survived by his mother, Dorothy A. Kay (age 101), Clayton and Cape Coral, FL; daughter Denise L. "Dede" Morrow and husband Ronald, Clayton; son David J. "Junior" Kay, Chaumont; granddaughters, Sylvie Domigan and fiancé Connor Ruetz; Kristin Skotynsky and husband Nick, Tasha Butte and Hannah Morrow; five great grandchildren; his companion of several years, Stephanie L. LeBarron, Clayton; brother Gary N. Kay and sister Teresa A. Kay, both of Clayton and Cape Coral, FL; several nieces, nephews, and many many cousins. 

   Along with his wife, Ginny, David was predeceased by his father Norman, May 9, 2002; brother Steven R. Kay (2003); and sister-in-law Margaret "Marge" Kay (2022).

   A celebration of David's life will be held at the Clayton Legion on Saturday, August 24th from 3-6 PM. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers donations in David's name may be made to Save the River, 409 Riverside Dr. or Clayton Food Pantry, c/o St. Mary's Church, 521 James St., both in Clayton, NY 13624.

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