Kimball James Quigley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kim at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital on October 16, 2024. Survived by his loving partner in life and in music, Kathy Bidell, and his children Ryan (Tara) and Melissa (Evan), along with their mother, Debbie Quigley. Grandfather to Keira and Violet, brother to Sean Quigley (Dianne) and Sheila Quigley, and nephew to Margaret Quigley of Kingston, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents, Wilson (2006) and Marion (2015) Quigley.

Kim was born in South Porcupine, Ontario on May 12, 1952 but soon moved to various places in Canada and the USA with his family due to his father’s career, including Florida, New Jersey, and Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Kim eventually settled in Toronto, where he lived the rest of his life.

Kim worked in IT in the insurance industry throughout his career, retiring in 2013. His true passion, however, was playing viola (and violin) in various orchestras and chamber groups. He was a long-standing member of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), as well as the Northbrook String Quartet. For years, whenever the quartet was asked to perform, Kim thoughtfully chose the repertoire (with approval of the other members, of course!), prepared, and presented his detailed notes to the audience. Kim was not a verbose speaker, but when it came to classical music, he could talk at great length and with impressive knowledge.

Kim and Kathy enjoyed a subscription series for Music Toronto for many years. They also travelled to Banff to attend the Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) in 2019 and had planned to attend again in 2022, but the pandemic and various health issues got in the way.

Kim was a voracious reader, as his many, many books would attest to. In retirement, he took up archery with equal zeal. 

Kim was an animal lover, but had a particular fondness of dogs. He was truly heartbroken by the loss of Onyx, his most recent pug companion. They could often be found side by side, curled up on the couch together, both enjoying their midday naps.

Above all, Kim was a kind and gentle soul.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no service but a celebration of Kim’s life will be held in Toronto at a later date. 

Special thanks to the many dedicated health care professionals at MGH, Sunnybrook Hospital Odette Cancer Centre, and most recently, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital Palliative Care team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (tlcpc.org), The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (www.policyalternatives.ca), or to a charity in support of the arts.