Paul Quarrington, a humorist, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker and musician, has won numerous awards for his work, including the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour for his novel King Leary. King Leary was also picked as the winner of Canada Reads 2008. His Governor General’s Award-winning Whale Music was made into a critically acclaimed feature film. He has also won awards for his writing for the television series Due South and for his screenplay for “Perfectly Normal.”

In the summer of 2009, Paul was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. With a dire prognosis, he threw everything he had into his work and demonstrated a creative energy that belied his illness. He was recognized with the Matt Cohen Award for his distinguished body of work, finished his memoir, Cigar Box Banjo, and recorded two new albums. On January 21, 2010, he succumbed to the cancer and died at his home surrounded by friends and family. He will always be missed.