Michael Sobey tribute: Family and friends mourn beloved lawyer

The wife and eldest son of beloved Noosa man and lawyer Michael Sobey have paid a beautiful tribute to him, thanking the community for the outpouring of love and support.

The family of late Noosa man Michael Sobey say they’ve been blown away by the outpouring of love in the days following his death and the support has helped them grieve.

The beloved lawyer who was at the heart of many community sports clubs and organisations died of cancer on Wednesday, February 23, aged 50.

His wife Linda said her husband of nearly 30 years was remarkably “stoic” and never made a big deal about his illness.

She said while the family were devastated they were proud of the life that he lived and the lives he touched.

“He fought it hard,” Mrs Sobey said.

“And that was a real testament to who he was as a person. He was remarkably stoic.

“He was the love of my life, an amazing father and I will miss him every day.”

Tributes have flowed for beloved Noosa lawyer Michael Sobey who died after a brave cancer battle.

Mrs Sobey said the family were buoyed by the love and support extended to them over the past few days.

She said it had helped them grieve.

His eldest son Nick Sobey described his father as a “larger than life” man who was “always happy and someone willing to help anyone”.

Nick said he was extremely proud to be the son of Michael Sobey and he would forever cherish his 25 years knowing him.

“You always knew he was loved in the community but seeing the outpouring of grief has really blown us away, it makes us even more proud to be his son,” Nick said.

Tewantin Noosa batsman Michael Sobey on the attack at Read Park. Picture: File

Nick said he and his siblings Patrick and Ella had a “blessed” childhood and were raised to be grateful for every day.

“Dad counted everyday as a blessing, a moment that you can have with friends and family is to be cherished, that’s how he lived life and that’s how we try to live,” Mr Sobey said.

“He passed that onto Patty, Ella and me. Just to enjoy what you have and don’t take it for granted.

“He was always keen for a party, to celebrate. He just loved being around people and loved to socialise with family and friends.”

Mr Sobey was a dedicated part of the Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club, Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union and community organisation Coast2Bay Housing.

He was a partner at Noosa law firm Sykes Pearson Miller.

“Dad was always willing to lend a hand or give advice, that’s one of the reasons why he was so respected,” Nick said.

Mrs Sobey said fundraising was a big part of her husband’s life, and for the 12 years he supported the Movember campaign.

“He would have raised more than $50,000 for Movember. I’ve never liked moustaches, but fundraising was so important to him,” she said.

One of his best mates, Jarrod Officer, said Mr Sobey had left a hole in plenty of hearts throughout the community.

Tewantin-Noosa skipper Jarrod Officer said Mr Sobey would be sorely missed by the club. Picture: File

The Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club stalwart knew Mr Sobey for the past 15 years however he said the pair shared a lifetime of memories.

“He was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, truly loved and respected by everyone,” Mr Officer said.

“He was an incredible family man and literally a pillar of the community on so many levels.

”I’ll be lost not being able to pick the phone up and ask you for advice on anything.”

Mr Officer said cricket was a major passion for Mr Sobey.

Mr Sobey coached his boys in juniors, then “had his arm twisted” into playing and won three premierships for the club across 145 games.

He served on the club’s executive committee for a decade including five years as president.

Mrs Sobey said his funeral will be held at St Thomas More Church at Sunshine Beach on Saturday, March 5 from 11am.