I would definitely sound him out about helping you out with an easy quilt with train materials in it so his interest can be quickly captured.
If he likes doing that, then sign up for a class so you don't have to get involved in teaching him every step of the way. He may be fascinated with the idea, but turned off by the fact he won't be as good as you right from the start. This way you can share a hobby, but not a project where he would feel intimidated by your expertise.
You may also want to drop a couple of quilt magazines with articles about male quilters around your home so he can see that he is not the only guy interested in the craft.