Obituary of David Frank Sobey

David F. Sobey, Chairman Emeritus, Sobeys Inc. March 22, 1931 – September 18, 2023 David F. Sobey, Chairman Emeritus, Sobeys Inc. died on September 18, 2023. David was predeceased by his mother Irene MacDonald Sobey, his father Frank Hoyse Sobey, and his brothers, William M. Sobey and Donald R. Sobey. He leaves Faye, his wife of 70 years, daughter Janis Sobey-Hames (Christopher) and son Paul D. Sobey (Marsha) and grandchildren; Jennifer, Joanne, Lisa, Sarah, Jonathan, David, Candace, step-grandchildren; Olivia, Emma and Ian; great grandchildren Marcus, Milo, Jackson, Lilly, Charlotte, Peyton, Evelyn, Leah, Rockwell, Ella, Oliver, Annabelle, Vivian, Eden, James, Ada, Jordan and Wilder. He is also survived by his sister Dianne Sobey. In 1950, while attending Dalhousie University, David met the love of his life, in fellow student Faye Naugle, and they married in 1953. David’s passion for business was only surpassed by his love for his family and the outdoors. Whether boating on the Northumberland Strait, skiing down the hills at Wentworth, golfing at the Abercrombie Golf Club or patiently standing in hip waders on the St. Mary’s River, David found great joy sharing his love for the outdoors with his family and friends. David, like his brothers Bill and Donald, was introduced to the grocery business at an early age. From sprouting potatoes in the cellar of the family store in Stellarton and helping his mother deliver groceries, David honed his skills and knowledge working virtually every job there was in the family’s ever-expanding business. His early years in the family business with his parents and brothers laid the foundation for David’s lifelong passion for the grocery industry. His career took him into increasingly senior leadership roles, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sobeys Inc., from 1986 to 1995 and Chairman from 1995-2001. When he retired in 2001, he was appointed Chair Emeritus by the Sobeys Inc. Board of Directors, and maintained a seat on the Board of Directors of Empire Company Limited until 2015. Although officially retired from the day-to-day operations of the company David never left the business, maintaining his office at the company headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. He visited stores at every opportunity to inspect product, store conditions and chat about the business; always looking for better ways to serve the customers he so deeply respected. David was unfailingly generous with his time, energy and personal resources as he advocated for the growth and development of Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia and Pictou County. As a philanthropist he was dedicated to helping those less fortunate than himself committed to access to post secondary education for young Atlantic Canadians and to equitable communities, through numerous causes and community organizations. He served on numerous corporate and charitable boards and was particularly proud of his association with Saint Mary’s University, serving on its Board of Governors, chairing its Building on Strength capital campaign and serving as its Chancellor from 2008-2010. A generous contribution from David enabled the creation of the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services, opening at the Sobey School of Business in 2015. His contributions to Canadian business and his generosity of spirit did not go unnoticed. He was appointed a Knight of the Golden Pencil in 1991 by the Food Industry Association of Canada, recognizing his commitment and contributions to the Canadian food industry and in 1992 he received the Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award from the Retail Council of Canada. Along with his brothers Donald and Bill (posthumously), David was elected to the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and, with his brother Donald, to the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2019, David and his brother Donald, were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Retail Council of Canada. David was honoured with degrees of Doctor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University; Doctor of Laws from St. Francis Xavier University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University and Mount Allison University. David was awarded the Order of Canada in 1995. To commemorate the passing of David Frank Sobey, the family will receive visitors at Crombie House, 1780 Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow Monday, September 25, 2023 between the hours of 2:00 – 4:00 pm. and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A celebration of life to commemorate David’s passing will take place at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Trinity United Church, 151Temperance Street, New Glasgow Nova Scotia. Trinity United Church will host David’s family and as many friends as space permits. All other of David’s many friends and associates are welcomed at the First Presbyterian Church, adjacent to Trinity United Church for live streaming of the service. Family parking only at the churches. A shuttle will be available to/from the Aberdeen Business Centre, 610 East River Road, New Glasgow for all guests. Guests should plan to arrive at the Aberdeen Centre by 12:00 noon, to ensure timely arrival. Those wishing to self- park the Glasgow Square and Farmers Market lots will be available. Should you wish to commemorate David’s passing, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County Wellness Centre, Community Wellness Capital Fund 2756 Westville Road, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, B2H 5C6 email: pcwc@pcwellnesscentre.ca or a charity of your choice. www.angusfuneralhomes.com