Obituary of Arthur Tobey

TOBEY, Rev. Arthur (Art) William - Passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends at Stedman Community Hospice on October 3, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Born in 1935 in Owen Sound to Lawrence and Grace (Knill) Tobey, Art was the oldest of five boys. After attending secondary school in Owen Sound, he went on to Toronto Bible College. He eventually earned his M.Div. at the university of Toronto and was ordained as a Minister of the United Church of Canada in 1967. Over the next 55 years, Art faithfully served charges in Holstein, Shelburne/Nova Scotia, Brantford (Colborne St), Burlington (Appleby), Bethel Stone, Hagersville and Scotland/Harley/Fairfield passionately preaching the Gospel. Art married Joy Martin in 1960. Together they raised 3 children, Martin, Paul and Heather. They were married for 44 years until Joy’s passing. Art found happiness again and married Karen (Dyment) Brooks, his wife at the time of his passing. Art was known for his boundless energy and was blessed with an incredible work ethic. While in full time ministry, Art owned and operated PAM Moving Company until 2005. In 1981 he and Joy continued to serve the United Church through Division of Stewardship Services, which involved travelling to pastoral charges from coast to coast. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers; he gladly shared his produce with anyone who asked or was in need. He was a keen and faithful supporter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for several years raising funds by inviting churches and the community to chilli suppers and Christmas tours in his home. Art was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Grace (Knill) Tobey, his first wife, Joy (Martin) Tobey, and his brother, John. Art is survived by loving wife Karen (Dyment) and her children Ryan (Kelly) Brooks and their daughter Ashleigh, Matthew (Melissa) Brooks and their son Henry. He will be dearly missed by his children, Martin (Liz) Tobey, Paul (Nancy) Tobey, and Heather (Paul) Mackey, as well as his brothers, Allan (Flo) Tobey, Gordon (Anne) Tobey, Bill (Donelda) Tobey, and sister in-law Ann. Art was a devoted grandpa to Danielle (Josh) Bury, Dustin Tobey, Alison Mackey, Abigail Mackey, Adrian Tobey (fiancée Allysha Howse), Hannah Mackey (fiancée Nate Egert), Jack Mackey, as well as three great-grandchildren, Sophie Tobey, Raeah and Melody Bury. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Family and friends will be received at Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Ave., Brantford, 519-752-4331 on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Service of Remembrance will take place in the chapel at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Oakland/Scotland Community church or Stedman Community Hospice would be appreciated by the family. A tree will be planted in memory of Art in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.