Remembering our past – Bob and Gina Sobol

Times Contributor

 

The name ‘SOBOL’ , which was Bob’s grandfather’s name, originated in the Ukraine, whereas his grandmother’s family originated in Poland. Both grandparents moved to Montreal in the early 1900’s. 

Gina’s father was born in Italy, and her mother’s family were long time residents of The Gaspe in Quebec.

Both Bob and Gina were born in Montreal – Bob in 1954, the second youngest of six children, and Gina in 1955, the youngest of four children. Although they lived in the same area, and went to the same high school, they didn’t meet until after graduating. 

One night they were each with their own groups of friends, in a pub in Montreal, and this is when they finally met. I was told that the romance blossomed from there, and they were married on May 28, 1977. This marriage has produced one daughter, two sons, and one grand-daughter.

Bob joined the RCMP in 1974. After graduating from the RCMP Depot in Regina, he spent two years in Ottawa, before being posted to Cardston, Alta. where he and Gina were married. After just over five years there, he moved to Sherwood Park, Alta. for 8.5 years, then to Fairview, Alta. for 12 years after being promoted to Corporal. In 2000, he was promoted to Sergeant, moved to Calgary, and took over the Southern Alberta Traffic Services division, where he spent the next three years, before retiring in 2003.

Gina graduated as a Registered Nurse in Montreal in 1977, and after a long career in nursing, is now the Case Manager at Sagewood Continuing Care Centre in Strathmore.

After Bob retired from the RCMP, they built and opened The Boulevard Cafe at Crystal Ridge on April 1, 2003. A few years later, he was invited back to the RCMP as a civilian employee, conducting recruiting and security interviews, so they sold the Boulevard Cafe. Bob continues to work in this position with the RCMP.

As you know, Bob is a member of Town Council, and as such serves on many Boards and Committees. He is a director with the new Strathmore Regional Arts Collective Society, and assists with Strathmore Lions as required. When required, Gina assists him in different projects. 

When I enquired what had brought them to Strathmore, Bob replied “I used to come here on business when I was with the RCMP, and I really liked this town. It has a lot of character and I like the feel of the place. It is clean, open, and has much going for it. The average age is lowering here, which is changing the community. Strathmore is a great place to live.”