He’s being remembered as an astute businessman and life long supporter of the arts.

 

Donald R. Sobey, the former president and chairman of Sobey’s grocery empire, has died at his home in Stellerton, Nova Scotia.

Sasha Suda, the director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada says Sobey deeply believed in artists and championed their work.  This year the Sobey’s art prize purse has increased from $240,000 to $400,000.

In recognition of his contributions, the National Gallery of Canada unveiled the Donald R. Sobey Family Gallery in 2015.  It is first exhibition space to be named in recognition of a donor in the institution’s history.

His legacy also includes a student scholarship he created for educational opportunities, as well as many artists who he supported throughout their careers

Donald Sobey was 86.