Gary Soberg

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gary at the age of 71.

Gary was the second son of Gunnar and Else Soberg, born in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the younger brother of Frank, his best friend, and the older brother of David and Erik (Alix).

Growing up on Lawrence Road in Hamilton's east side, Gary shared a close bond with his brothers and friends Neil, Dan, and Pete. He was an avid sportsman, participating in baseball and the high school sculling team.

Gary dedicated 33 years of service to Bell Canada after beginning his “career” as a paper carrier and later as a clerk at Steinberg’s before attending Sheridan College for art.

He met his soulmate, Mary, daughter of Marius and Woutje Verzyden from Jerseyville. They were married on July 22, 1978, and enjoyed nearly 47 years of friendship and love. With that love they built a beautiful life and shared a passion for road trips, photography, and wildlife.

Gary was a proud father to Daddy’s Girl Sarah (Scott Somerset) and growing protégé Lars (Georgette Kilpatrick). Gary was always willing to lend some knowledge but was cautious about lending items, often stating, “No… it will get lost, stolen or broken!”

Upon retiring at 50, Gary welcomed his grandson, Parker, earning him the affectionate nickname "Grumpy," which he wore proudly. He thoroughly enjoyed a laugh or two with Hailey, his bonus granddaughter.

Gary cherished large family gatherings, particularly Norwegian Christmas celebrations with Pastor and Mrs. Dechert, Uncle Kaare his Tante Eli, cousins Anna and Martin (Joanne). His family is also extended to Norway including Uncle Erling, Tante Liv, and their family.

He made lasting memories at the beach with Lene (Anita) and Pauline (Hugh), coffee mornings with Jack (Kathy), and visiting Denise (Calvin) at their trailer. Gary also had special relationships with his numerous nieces and nephews: Dan, Amber (Neil), Seth, Chris (Catherine), Caleb (Sarah), Leigh-Anne (Ben), Rebekkah (Tobin), Stephen (Jessica), Levi (Aubrey), Emily (Derek), Kade (Jennalee), Chloe (AJ), Andrew (Cynthia), Sarah (Liam), and Emma.

Throughout his life, friends surrounded Gary. He had a close-knit group in Hamilton and enjoyed neighborhood events like potlucks, murder mysteries, and game nights in Oro. In Baysville, he connected with many as a mail post helper alongside his friend Kevin. Most cherished were his Boys’ Scrabble nights with his buddy and brother-in-law Jack and long-time friends John and Eric.

Gary’s greatest pride was rekindling his passion for art, spending Fridays with fellow artists under the guidance of his teacher and special friend, Shirley Prittie.

An enthusiast of woodworking, Gary enjoyed tinkering in his workshop and was an avid collector of his “treasured” items. His summer holidays were spent fishing, sailing, and canoeing at the Verzyden family cottage on Echo Lake.

In his final years, condo living brought Gary new joys, morning games with Mary and Condo Coffee with neighbors.

A social gathering to celebrate Gary's life will take place at Billingsley Funeral Home, Huntsville on March 1, 2025, from 12 to 4 pm. We invite you to join us to share your memories and stories with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

With lasting memories of Gary, and much love, we will always remember him as the “Big Gar”