Dana Quigley, a former professional golfer, chose to focus on what he had gained rather than what he had lost after his son Devon died in Rumford, Rhode Island Saturday night, 12 years after an almost fatal car accident. Devon was 39.
“We had 12 wonderful years with Devon. Dana Quigley told me Tuesday that this was an incredible blessing. “We lost him twice in that night, and we brought him back to life. Jesus had a purpose for keeping him alive.
Dana had a successful second career in the PGA Tour Champions, with 11 victories and a Player’s of the Year Award for 2005. Devon was often his caddy.
He understands how valuable life is, even if things don’t go as planned. Dana may have played in 277 consecutive PGA Tour Champions tournaments for which he qualified, a tour record.
Dana: “Devon taught me so much about faith and believing in Jesus.” “This family has grown so much closer because of Devon’s death.”
Devon was injured late in 2011 when his vehicle slammed against the back of an parked truck at Riviera Beach, Florida. He was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was not expected to survive.
Devon’s survival was not without cost. He would be confined to a wheelchair and unable speak for the rest his life. He communicated by moving his eyes upwards or downwards to show “yes” and “no.”
Dana said, “I have thought about this a thousand times: What courage he must have had. It must be torture to be trapped inside your body and wishing to live each moment of the day.” There’s no question he knew exactly what was happening. What patience, faith, and strength it must have required.”
The TimberTech Championship, which takes place this week at Broken Sound Club Boca Raton in Florida, will honor Devon’s memory. The players and caddies are wearing white ribbons, as Devon hated black. Golf Channel announcers also pay tribute to Devon during the broadcast of the second event in the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. Brett Quigley is Devon’s cousin and one of the 50 players on the field.
“Devon was my little brother.” Brett, a winner of the PGA Tour Champions who was recently born 15 years after me, said that he was the same age as him. “I was with my friend on Saturday, but I left abruptly when something felt off. Dana has improved since we last spoke. When we spoke on Sunday, we were unable to speak.
Dana said Tuesday that his son “lit up every room” (before his accident). Many TimberTech attendees echoed this sentiment.
Hollis Cavner, the founder of Pro Links Sports which organizes the TimberTech Championship, said, “I loved him.” He would always smile with a mischievous grin. “What a shame.”
Cavner organized a fundraising event in 2013 to raise $1 million for Devon’s medical costs. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer were among the legends to support the Quigleys on that day. Gary Player, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and Jack Nicklaus also attended.
Dana said it was “one of the humbling moments of my life to watch all these greats helping out a former Club Pro.” It’s just what golfers do – we all help each other.
Devon returned to Rhode Island, where his mother Charlotte, his sister Nicole and her husband T.J. Poole took care of Devon, while Dana’s wife Angie and Dana kept in touch daily. Devon is survived his parents, stepmother, sister and uncle Paul Quigley.
On Thursday, there will be a Celebration of Life at Crestwood Country club in Rehoboth Massachusetts — where Dana was a PGA Professional. Dana stated that the family will be holding a second celebration of life on January 2 or 3 in South Florida.
