Obituary of Thomas Arthur Quackenbush
November 18, 1945 – August 25, 2026
After a short and courageous battle with cancer, Arthur Quackenbush passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026.
He was also known as Art, Tom or Quack depending on how well you knew him.
Loving and devoted father to one daughter Cheri Redpath, of Smiths Falls. Papa to three amazing granddaughters, Becki McCloskey, Jenni McCloskey and Codi Redpath, and honourary step-father to David (Kerry) Beierle and their girls Brandy and Angie.
Survived by his siblings, brother Tony (Judy) of New Brunswick, sisters Marjorie (Wayne) Evoy and Linda (Harold) Lockett of Smiths Falls, and sister-in-law Faye of New Brunswick. Dance partner and companion to Lillian Render of Kemptville, and well remembered by many nieces, nephews and special friends.
Art was the son of Garnet and Margaret (Warren) Quackenbush (predeceased), also predeceased by his infant son Alex, brothers Harvey and Gerald and sister Charleen, and by his companion of 40 years Ruth Beierle.
Born in Smiths Falls Hospital and raised in Merrickville, ON. He attended Merrickville Public School and North Grenville District High School. He worked as a Councillor at the Rideau Regional Centre. Later moving to Ottawa, where he worked as a bartender at the Carlington Hotel and then spent the rest of his career working at MetLife as head Security Officer under Pinkerton Security Co.
Art always loved to sketch and paint from a very young age and later became an accomplished and well-known wild-life oil painting artist selling his paintings all over Canada and overseas. He could be found most weekends at the local Craft Shows in the Ottawa area.
He loved his sports, was an avid golfer and also loved his music, played guitar, sang, entertained and of course his friends knew how he loved to dance. He enjoyed going to the Merrickville Legion dances, Toledo Legion and Smiths Falls area dances, he usually attended every one in Merrickville and was always on the dance floor.
The family would also like to thank the Kemptville District Hospital and Ottawa General Hospital for the wonderful care he received.
A big thank you to all who visited, sent cards and comforting words of encouragement and to all the family for their support and love during this trying time.
Special thanks to Richard and Jean Christie for always being there. It was so wonderful of Richard to drive Lillian to and from the Ottawa Hospital each day.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Kidney Foundation or charity of your choice in his name would be appreciated.
