SOBIE, JOSEPH Peacefully, in his favourite chair with his favourite person beside him, Joseph Sobie passed away on the evening of Thursday, July 26, 2018, at home in Oakville, Ontario.
Joe was born August 15, 1934 in Vita, Manitoba. He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Gerry, his children, Michael, Paul, Joanna (David Fonseca) and Karen (Jim Hilbert), his grandchildren, Hannah Sobie and Matthew Fonseca and his sister, Diane (Jerry Welchinski). His parents and his sister, Olga Kuehn, predeceased him. Joe was a true inspiration in the business world, working his way from humble beginnings in the Benjamin Moore Paint plant in Winnipeg to become CEO of the Canadian company in Toronto (and director of the US parent company), a position he held until retirement in 1997, after 42 years at Benjamin Moore. Joe served as a President of the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) and, together, he and Gerry travelled globally with the paint industry. He was honoured to receive the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1989 and the Industry Statesman Award in 1997.
Joe was an accomplished professional musician for many years, playing trumpet for dance and concert bands in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Toronto. He was a golfer, a tennis player and a curler in his earlier days. When MLB came to Toronto, Joe bought season tickets and the family enjoyed watching the Blue Jays from just above the dugout for many years. Joe and Gerry particularly enjoyed their time every March on Sanibel Island and later, Siesta Key, Florida. Their long-time home in Lorne Park was a great source of comfort and pride for the entire family. Joe will be remembered as a brilliant, honest and quiet man, willing to give any sound idea a chance. His innovative management skills fostered a culture of empowering his people and encouraging teamwork and mentorship. At Joe’s request, no service will be held.
His body has been donated to the University of Toronto for the study of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Joe’s family would like to thank Darshani Chatterpaul-Sagar for all of her support and companionship over the past years and all of the staff at the Seniors Life Enhancement Centre in Oakville. If you are so inclined, a donation to a charity of your choice, in his memory, would be appreciated. No flowers please.