In 1912, his father built a 2-storey store in Stellarton's central business district, selling mostly meat and vegetables.
In an era where education opportunities were limited in small Maritime towns, Sobey left school after Grade 8.
In 1971, while still active in the business, Sobey handed over formal control of the company's operations to his three sons, Bill, David and Donald.
Sobey and his wife Irene acquired a significant art collection that included works by Cornelius Krieghoff, Tom Thomson and notable Group of Seven members A. Y. Jackson and Arthur Lismer.
The foundation's Sobey Art Award is Canada's largest prize for young Canadian artists.