Municipal Council, Town of Cobourg staff and the community are mourning the recent passing of Ross David Quigley, who passed away peacefully at the age of 77 years at Ed’s House surrounded by loved ones. Ross will be fondly remembered as an immensely valued individual who lived, worked, and volunteered within the community his entire life.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our good friend and highly respected Cobourg resident, Ross Quigley, who was a friend to so many,” said Mayor John Henderson for the Town of Cobourg. “His desire, dedication and determination to serve our community will live with all of us forever. On behalf of Municipal Council and Town staff my heart goes out to his wife, Joan, son Rory, daughter Amy and his entire family. May Ross’ memory remain a blessing for all.”
From 1982-1990 Ross was the General Manager of Cobourg’s Public Utilities Commission (forerunner to Lakefront Utilities). After that he opened Quigley Pro Hardware in the vacated Loblaw’s building downtown, which he ran for 14 years with wife Joan and daughter Amy. When the store closed, he became building maintenance supervisor for YMCA Northumberland.
After his work life and into his retirement, Ross created the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame, which can be seen and enjoyed within the Cobourg Community Centre and most recently held its second induction banquet last month. During the banquet it was also announced that the Ross Quigley Youth In Sports Award will be given out every year to a young person who has made a significant contribution to sports.
Ross was also a Rotarian and served as President of the Rotary Club of Cobourg from 1991-1992 and as a member of the Town of Cobourg’s Canada 150 Committee in 2017. He also served as President of the Downtown Business Improvement Area for five years, and as the United Way Fundraising Chairman in 1990 where he also donated supplies from Quigley Pro Hardware to assist the now annual Day of Caring which began in 1999. Lastly, since 2018, Ross was a member of the Building Committee for Ed’s House where he would later pass away.
To honour Ross David Quigley, a remarkable person, family man, community member and volunteer the Town of Cobourg will respectfully lower all municipal flags to half-mast beginning today until Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg will host a visitation Sunday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m., where proof of full vaccination will be required and masking, contact tracing and capacity-limitation protocols will be observed. A memorial service will follow on Monday at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre at 2 p.m. The community is invited to share Messages of Condolences here.
Those wishing may make a memorial donation to the Cobourg District Sports Hall of Fame, Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice, or to a charity of choice.