During his time, Quarrington has been an influential figure in Canadian literature, not only as an author, but also through his participation in teaching (Humber College and University of Toronto), publishing circles, organizations and events. He befriended many Canadian writers, including Timothy Findley. Quarrington and Findley held a mutual admiration for each other; when asked to provide a review quote for "Home Game", Findley blurbed that Quarrington was "an extraordinary writer with a rare gift for pulling unique characters out of funny hats".