He passed peacefully at home in Toronto surrounded by friends and family in the early hours of January 21, 2010.

It is comforting to know that he didn't suffer; he was calm and quiet holding hands with those who were closest to him. His last few days saw a rapid decline in his ability to breathe.

Quarrington, an author, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, composer and musician who penned the critically acclaimed novel "Whale Music," was 56.

He won Canada's prestigious Governor General's Literary Award in 1989 for "Whale Music," which told the tale of a Brian Wilson like Rock and Roll recluse. He also wrote several other books including "King Leary," "The Ravine" and "Galveston".

Hard at work since his original diagnosis of Stage 4 Lung Cancer in May 2009, he dedicated himself to his last artistic projects that over his last week saw him doing final edits with his book publisher and in the studio completing recordings.

We are pleased to report that he completed his first solo CD release and another album with his band the Porkbelly Futures, both of which will appear through Cordova Bay Records and distributed by Fontana North/Universal in Canada. His completed memoir, "Cigar Box Banjo" will be released in Canada May 15th, 2010 by Greystone Books and a documentary film about the artist is nearing completion. "Are You Ready, a song written by Paul Quarrington and long-time friends Martin Worthy and Dan Hill and recorded by Matthew McCauley and Fred Mollin featuring vocals by Paul and Dan, will be expedited for digital and radio release very soon. More details will follow.

Contributions to the recently established Quarrington Arts Society are welcome. The Society was created to reward and support Canadian artists who excel in multiple artistic disciplines -- much in the way Quarrington himself has done throughout his 40 year career.

Quarrington leaves behind two children, Carson and Flannery.