Tribute

Bill Sabo (Alexander William Sabo)

March 5, 1934 – September 7, 2020

Bill passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Mission Memorial Hospital in Mission, B.C. at the age of 86.

Bill’s Grandfather, Alexander Sabo, immigrated from Germany to Vancouver, B.C. in 1913. In the early 1920’s the family moved north of Steelhead, B.C. where they had a homestead and a lumber mill. With the family history in this area, Sabo Street and Sabo Creek were named.

Bill was born in Mission Memorial Hospital on March 5,1934. In his early years he practiced as an apprentice chef at Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. before moving to Calgary where he also apprenticed at the Palliser Hotel. It was at this time he met and married Margaret Turnbull in Calgary, Alberta on March 20, 1954.

In his early 20’s, Bill spent time training under Colonel Sanders himself of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Louisville Kentucky and managed Barney’s Kentucky Fried Chicken in Calgary and area. Bill was also a manager for ATCO Trailer Catering Services in Northern Alberta. Between 1967-1971 Margaret and Bill owned and operated four Ye Olde Pizza Joint restaurants and El Rancho Burger Bar in Edmonton, Alberta.

Bill then decided on a career change and became a backhoe owner/operator. His Company was known as Marwill Developments Limited and he contracted work with AGT as well as many businesses in the Ponoka, Alberta area. During this time Margaret and Bill spent many years wintering in Arizona with their close friends. Bill retired from the backhoe business in 2001.

In 2001 they retired to live in Oliver, B.C. where they had many enjoyable years living in the beautiful Okanagan valley. Bill was pre- deceased by Margaret on January 20,2010. He remained in Oliver, B.C. for several years before moving back to Mission, B.C. to be with his partner Barbara Sept. Bill was active in the community and was involved in curling and built some close relationships.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed sharing his many life experiences and stories with friends and family.

Bill is survived by his three children: Michael Sabo of Lacombe, Alberta, Donald (Maria) Sabo of Calgary, Alberta and Sandy Boblin of Calgary, Alberta.  Four grandchildren: Tara Rebibis, Travis Boblin, Katrina Boblin and Sean Sabo. Three great grandchildren:  Conner Dux, Athena Secretan and Elise Rebibis.

There will be a private family celebration of life for Bill Sabo in Calgary, Alberta to be held at a future date.