DOUGLAS BRIAN SOBERING

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DOUGLAS BRIAN SOBERING Doug Sobering, aged 69 years, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB. Doug is survived by his loving wife Marlene (nee Derksen), son Steven and his wife Melanie and their children Liam and Callie of Dauphin, MB. He was predeceased by his son Brett (2005), his parents Albert (1994) and Bernice (1992) and his brother Randy (2004). He also leaves to mourn his passing many aunties, uncles, cousins, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. After marrying Marlene in 1969, he joined the Loewen Funeral Chapel, leaving there to work at A.B. Gardiner Funeral Home in Winnipeg where he obtained his Funeral Director and Embalmer's license. He spent 15 years in Winnipeg before taking a risk and opening a brand new funeral chapel in Beausejour. Though this was a very tough endeavour, the family worked hard to make the Sobering Funeral Chapel a success. Doug also became involved in the Lion's Club, B.B.D.C., Zion Lutheran Church council, a proud director on the Sunova Credit Union Board, and other volunteer positions. Doug loved his family. He was very proud and supportive of Steven and Melanie's combined and individual accomplishments. He adored his grandkids, always maintaining Liam and Callie were the smartest, cutest and best of all. He enjoyed sparring and debating current events with his brothers-in-law, and teasing his sisters-in-law. He liked practical jokes and loved to shoot the breeze, always saying that "this is a true story, not like all the other ones I tell you". He was a "junk" collector, loved his 51 Chevy, his Coca Cola collection and just about anything that was unusual. He always said the thrill was in the chase. Failing health plagued Doug from 2003 when he had his heart valve surgery. He retired in 2011, enjoying a super year of travelling to Europe, Mexico, Palm Springs, and anywhere else that he was asked to go. It was wonderful. Diagnosed with COPD and congestive heart failure, his health just kept deteriorating until it took its final toll on Wednesday night, after a great day of playing some quite competitive cribbage with his Auntie Dean and cousin Fay. He just needed a rest, so rest in peace dear Doug. We love you and will always have you in our hearts. Funeral service will be held at his beloved Sobering Funeral Chapel, Beausejour, on Monday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or the Manitoba Lung Association, 1 Wesley Ave., Unit 301, Winnipeg MB R3C 4C6. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour (204) 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2016