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GENE SOBIE
1945 – 2022
On February 15, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family, Gene Sobie lost his battle with dementia.
Gene was born in Red Lake, ON in 1945 and grew up in the West End of Winnipeg. He spent many summers as a youngster helping out on the family farm in Meleb, MB. He was well-known on the rinks and diamonds of Orioles Community Club and he attended Daniel Mac, where he met the love of his life, Carole. Gene and Carole were married in 1967 and would have celebrated their 55th anniversary this year.
One could never accuse Gene of taking a short cut. He worked hard in all aspects of his life to ensure his family had all they needed. His professional career was based in the insurance and financial services industries. He got his start at Monarch Life in 1964, spending the better part of three decades there, climbing the ranks to become a highly regarded and respected Manager in the Group Pension and Benefits division. In 1992 he joined Rice Financial where he spent the latter part of his career as their National Compliance Officer, retiring in 2006.
Gene was an exceptional athlete and a fierce competitor. He excelled at hockey and baseball, and over the years developed many close and lasting friendships with teammates and opponents alike. He continued to enjoy sports throughout his life and as a valued coach, he shared his knowledge and love of the game with his children and the community. When he wasn't coaching, he loved to watch his kids play and he never missed a game.
His passion in retirement involved the honing of his golf game. He could often be spotted practicing his swing (without a club) in the backyard or family room. A proud member of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club for 35 years, he loved spending time at "the club" with friends and family.
He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed a walk through the woods in any season. Gene, Carole, and the kids spent many enjoyable times at the family cottage in Gimli - a place he cared deeply for. Gene and Carole also took many memorable trips to BC and California visiting friends and family along the way.
Above all, Gene could always be counted on. When the chips were down, he would step in without a moment of hesitation to help. He took care of us, and we will forever remember all of the care he provided through the years.
Left to mourn Gene's passing are his loving wife Carole, daughter Susan (Dwight Ewanika), and son Greg (Megan). Being "Gigi" to Audrey and Adele was his all-time favourite job. His granddaughters were the light of his life and they will carry wonderful memories of him through their lives. He will be missed by his siblings and their families: Gord (Marianne), Duane (Hazel), and Marge (Ron Brown). Gene will be fondly remembered by the families of Carole's siblings, Wayne Carter and Audrey Allen - as well as many other friends and family.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff and nurses at Concordia Hospital for their kind and compassionate care, with special thanks to nurse Lidia.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Highway. A virtual service will also be offered.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene's memory can be made to the Elmhurst Legacy Fund (c/o Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, 23113 PR 213, Springfield, MB R5R 0B5 - golf@elmhurstcc.ca).
KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME
204-338-0331
Condolences may be sent to
www.klassenfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2022
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Sending our sincere condolences to Carole and family on your loss of Gene. Our thoughts are with you all. Love Myrna and Bruce - Posted by: Myrna and Bruce Cartlidge (Friends) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Our deepest sympathy to you & your family for your loss. I met Gene many moons ago and continued our friendship at Elmhurst. Gene had a unique quality and was always warm & smiling. He will be missed. Greg. My son David also wish to extend his condolences. - Posted by: George Esau (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2022
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Carole and family, my sincere condolences on the death of Gene. We had some great times in high school and our early working careers. I have such fond memories of those days. Barbara (Smith) Kiesman, Sherwood Park ABl - Posted by: Barbara Smith Kiesman (Friend from DMCI and Great West Life ) on: Feb 26, 2022
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Met Senior Sobes at Elmhurst shortly after he joined. A kind, considerate, always sporting that grin and giving up a few minutes to chat, in our case it may have been more than a few minutes, that's probably my fault!! I will miss our chats my friend, I'm so glad our paths crossed. - Posted by: Multy (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2022
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Gene and I were best friends growing up. I was his best man and he was mine. We had a lot of fun growing up, sometimes much to the chagrin of Carole. I won't be home in time for the service but you will be in our prayers. Love Jim and Sandy - Posted by: JAMES FREEDY (Good friend) on: Feb 22, 2022
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Sending our deepest condolences and love to you Carole and all your family. Such a great loss losing your precious husband Gene. It will be a loss felt by so many people who loved and respected Gene And all the lives he touched throughout his journey of life. Be comforted by the fact that you were a wonderful and devoted wife and partner. We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Most sincerely Lois And Bill Turnham - Posted by: Lois and bill turnham (Friends) on: Feb 21, 2022
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Dear Carole and family, Please accept my sincere condolences in the far too soon loss of Gene. Such a kind and gentle man who was liked by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you and I hope that the good memories you have of Gene will carry you through this sad time. - Posted by: Barb D'Avignon (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
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Len and I are very sad to hear of Gene's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Carol, Susan and Dwight, Greg and Megan and granddaughters, Audrey and Adele. We remember standing outside the Valley Gardens rinks in the cold watching hockey, the antics of the girls in junior high and high school and seeing Gene and Carol often at NorVilla breakfasts. We hope for all of you, peace will come early and your reflections of the wonderful man he was, will bring a smile to your faces, and a warmth in your hearts. Rest in peace, Gene. - Posted by: Len and Vicki Lazaruk (Neighborhood friends) on: Feb 19, 2022
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My condolences to Carole and family. I have so many memories of Gene and Carole from high school and CC dances. I will not be able to attend funeral as I’m in B.C. Sending hugs. - Posted by: Joan Einarson (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
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When meeting Gene for the first time I knew almost instantly that I would have a lifelong friend. He was so easy to know, easy to like. I have so many fond memories both on and off the golf course and BBQs at the Gimli cottage. Gene had the rare gift of making you feel he was so genuinely happy to see you. He was a true gentleman and I was honoured to call him my friend. - Posted by: Rick Woodhouse (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
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Carole, such great memories of your love and devotion to Gene and the birth of your two cherished children. You were a lovely couple and family. So very sorry for your loss. My husband is also in the dementia journey so we know a bit about your path. Love Jan - Posted by: Janet Wiebe (Former coworker of Carole ) on: Feb 19, 2022
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