Donald Sobey has died at the age of 86. (submitted)
A cornerstone in the history of the Sobey’s grocery chain franchise has died.
Donald Sobey passed away at the age of 86.
The parent company of the grocer announced his passing in a media release on Wednesday.
Chair of Empire Limited Jim Dickson says Sobey was a brilliant businessperson and his legacy of value speaks for itself.
“Donald’s impact on the Empire group of companies was profound.” said Dickson. “But beyond his success in business, Donald was someone who cared deeply for his community, giving his time, energy, and resources to support so many important causes across the country. The impact of his generosity will certainly be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Sobey joined Empire’s Board of Directors in 1963 and he became president in 1969. He retired in 2004 but always kept active in the company.
“Empire and Sobeys owe so much to the leadership, business acumen, and passion of Donald,” said Michael Medline, President and CEO, Empire. “On behalf of all of our teammates across Canada, I want to extend our collective heartfelt condolences to his wife Beth and their children and grandchildren. Donald was a great businessperson as well as a visionary philanthropist who believed in nurturing Canadian artists and supporting the next generation of leaders. We will all miss him.”
In 2014, Sobey was appointed to the Order of Canada.
Philanthropic Affiliations
• National Gallery of Canada
• Sobey Art Award (Chair, Sobey Art Foundation)
• World Wildlife Fund
• QEII Hospital Foundation (Halifax)
• Dalhousie University Capital Campaign
• Dalhousie University – Sobey Fund for Oceans
• Queen’s University Advisory Council
• Queen’s University – D&R Sobey Atlantic Scholarship
• Camp Hill Medical Foundation
Honourary Degrees/Diplomas and Awards
• Dalhousie University, Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), 1989
• Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (DFA, 2001)
• Nova Scotia Community College (2001)
• Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame (2002)
• Canadian Conference for the Arts, Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership (2003)
• Canadian Business Hall of Fame (2007)
• Mount Allison University, Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), 2008
• St. Francis Xavier, Doctor of Laws, (honoris causa), 2010
• University of King’s College, Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa), 2013
• Cape Breton University, Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), 201
