Obituary of Cymon John Sobie

June 25, 1935 – Montreal, Quebec

September 13, 2023- Okotoks, Alberta

Cy Sobie, a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, surrounded by close family at the High River Hospital.

Cy Sobie was a unique and beloved character! He was one of one.

If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you remembered him. You could count on Cy to make anyone smile. He loved to ask questions; most likely he would ask at least one that could not be answered.

Cy, the eldest of three boys, was born into a loving Orthodox Jewish home in Montreal, Quebec, to Edward and Claire Sobie. He soon had two brothers, Malcolm and Jeffrey, to complete their happy family.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and his mother passed away when Cy was ten, Malcolm was six, and Jeffrey was nine months old. Cy and Malcolm were sent to boarding school, and he immersed himself in sports. He excelled in hockey, football, cross-country running, track, and boxing. 

After graduation, Cy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University.  During this time, he decided to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Cy dedicated his life to Jehovah on January 5, 1957.

He met his lifelong companion, Sonja Chyz, in 1958 at the New York International Convention. Sonja was from Wakaw, Saskatchewan and was pioneering in Quebec. Cy described her as "sweet and energetic". They were married on June 11, 1960, and in 2023 they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Cy went to Teacher's College to complete a second degree and began his lifelong teaching career at Northmount High, and despite his height, he coached basketball and continued to play every sport that he could.

Scott was born in 1964 in Montreal, followed by Cara in 1968 in Trail, BC. Cy loved his children and always provided fun and entertainment. In 1969, the family moved to Calgary, and he taught and coached at Lord Beaverbrook High School for 25 years.

Cy loved spending time playing with his kids, swimming at Lake Bonavista, splashing in the water at Mabel Lake, and houseboating on the Shuswap. If there was a party, he was there, and undoubtedly, he had a poem in his pocket to read aloud.

In 1994, he moved to Dr. EP Scarlett High School and continued to motivate his students by donning his referee jersey on test days. He retired from teaching but continued to teach others the Bible with enthusiasm. 

Cy had a special relationship with each grandchild and was always there no matter what sport they participated in, from hockey, horses, and track. He was their greatest fan.

He led by example, and his life lessons were do what you love and never worry about what people want you to do. Live each day with excitement and zest. Laugh a lot and when in doubt, follow Bible principles, always do the loving and kind thing.

Sonja and Cy retired to High River and loved their home on the golf course. In 2013, the High River Flood forced Cy and Sonja to move to Okotoks. In his later years, Cy continued to swim regularly at the Okotoks pool in the winter and his children's pools in the summer.  He often called it mechaye, which in Yiddish means pleasure, a real joy!

Cy was mechayeh. He loved to laugh and dance.  He always had time for people.  He loved to visit, receive visitors, and was never too busy for a friend.  Friendship was extremely important to Cy; he believed he was a true friend with Jehovah.  He said that "a true friend is someone who thinks you are a hero even when they know you are slightly cracked".  If you were privileged enough to be friends with Cy, he was a true friend. He lived his life with no regrets and had a natural way of making everyone around him happier.

He had no doubts in his final days that he was given the Fast Pass and the rest of us would have to wait in line, we hope to join him soon on the next exciting ride!

Cy is survived by his loving wife Sonja, his children Scott Sobie (Sherilyn), Cara Holditch (Michael); his grandchildren Brayden Sobie (Jocelyne), Micaela Markin (Timothy), Tayah Chudy (Devon), Brynn and Cade Holditch; his brothers Malcolm Sobie (Pat) and Jeffrey Sobie (Marie); and his many nieces and nephews.

A Remembrance of Cy’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (270 Midpark Way, SE, Calgary, AB).

Bow ties are recommended, and suspenders are optional. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Cymon’s family here.

In living memory of Cymon Sobie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.