Obituary of Michael Joseph Quigley

The Honourable Michael J. Quigley passed away on February 16, 2025 in his home surrounded by his daughters. Like all truly great Irish storytellers, Mike knew when it was time to wrap up a good story and then keep it going a little longer, just because. The hearts of his family and friends are broken but his heart belongs with his wife of 53 years, the love of his life, Ann, who predeceased him. The best day of his life was the day he met her. They are reunited once again where she can finally get back to organizing him and fixing his golf swing. 

Mike grew up on a farm in Stanleyville. He would frequently tell people he loved the solitude of the farm but he would make himself scarce when it was time for farm chores. Partly due to the determination of his brother, Mike obtained his B.A at Loyola College in Montreal and his law degree at University of Ottawa. He practiced law in Smiths Falls for thirty one years before his appointment to the Superior Court of Ontario in 2001. He was the administrative judge for Pembroke and then Brockville and Perth before his retirement and he loved every second of his work. He never forgot what a privilege it was to serve as a judge. 

Mike did not want his obituary to focus on his work accomplishments as he felt that his amazing wife, his children, his grandchildren and his friends were the true measure of his worth. The outpouring of love he has received in his final days has demonstrated his success in life. 

Despite this, it would be remiss to not mention that he ran a successful law practice, was granted a King’s Counsel designation in 1982, was a former president of the Lanark Law Association, Parents’ counsel at the Rideau Regional Centre, a former drug prosecutor, and of course, a successful judge. In all of those roles, he exercised his skills in problem solving and good plain common sense. He also believed in the inherent goodness of people and in second chances. He would often be recognized in public places and thanked for helping others during the most difficult times in their lives. Success did not come with the accolades or appointments, it came from the lives of the people who he helped along the way. 

Throughout his years, he amassed friends from all walks of life. He was a genuine listener and loved to collect the stories of every single person he met. He was fascinated by people and cherished their life stories. Once a bond was formed with someone, Mike could identify the special qualities of the person, encourage them to recognize it in themselves and then would broadcast it to others. He ensured that people knew how much he appreciated them. No matter how rushed he might be, there was always time for appreciative words and perhaps one last funny story that summed up how he felt.

He had many interests in life which he pursued with passion. There is no doubt that having achieved four holes-in-one in his lifetime never made him stop studying golf like a scholar. There were days that if you asked him how he was doing, he would give you a detailed explanation of his golf game. He also had a love of college football. A wise person would check the score board before calling Mike on a Notre Dame game day. Some of his fondest memories were trips to see Notre Dame or Penn State games with his friends. 

Mike leaves behind two loving daughters, Katie (Bob) and Beth (Karim) as well his four grandchildren, Fiona, Alexander, John and Mary and his granddog Lily. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Lorne and Mary (McGlade) as well as his three older siblings, Dorothy Tarczynski, Lorette Clune and John Quigley. He leaves behind his younger sister Helen Audia (Sam), his sisters-in-law, Wynn Turner and Marianne Rutherford, brother-in-law Doug Nobes, as well as his nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He also leaves behind so many loving friends that we cannot even begin to name you for fear we leave people out. You know who you are and you are loved. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.  

Mike was a committed Catholic and lived his life guided by faith in the Lord and love of our Blessed Mary. His faith comforted him through the difficult times and will guide those who mourn him now. 

Special thanks is extended to Dr. Canil and Dr. Morash at the Ottawa Hospital as well as Dr. Einarsson and Dr. Church. The care providers and nurses who treated Mike have been exceptional, particularly Crystal, Krista, Maria, Rebecca and Julie. Last, but not least, we want to give a special thanks to Kevin Tye (aka “Kevin 911”) who has helped in immeasurable ways. 

Friends may pay their respects at Blair & Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith St. N, Smiths Falls, on Friday, February 21st, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls, on Saturday at 11:00 a.m followed by a reception in Hanley Hall. If you would like to make a donation in Mike’s honour, we ask that you direct those donations to the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation or St. Francis de Sales Church. 

To make a long story short, as Mike would say after telling an already long story, Mike will be dearly missed and his hearty laughter still rings in the hearts of those who love him.