Obituary of John Milton Russell Dobie

Obituary of John Milton Russell Dobie, published in the Owen Sound Sun, Friday, Sept. 6, 1918.

Lieut. J. Milton Dobie Makes Supreme Sacrifice

An official telegram yesterday conveyed the sad intelligence of the death in action of one of Owen Sound's finest young men, Lieut. J. Milton Dobie, who for several years prior to his enlistment was Associate Editor of The Sun. The telegram, which was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Dobie, of Chatsworth, briefly stated that he had been killed in action on August 28th. The news brought sorrow to a wide circle of friends both in Owen Sound and his home village of Chatsworth, and many were the expressions of sincere regret that were heard yesterday from citizens in general.

Lieut. Dobie's death in action follows closely on a similar fate that befell two of his most initmate friends. Both Corp. John D. Doherty and Lieut. Tom Allen, who were recently reported to have died in action were his closest associates. Lieut. Dobie was a member of the First Greys and he was one of the most popular and efficient officers of that splendid unit. For about 14 months he has been serving in France with the 4th C.M.R. Battalion and was through a great deal of heavy fighting.

Lieut. J. Milton Dobie was the eldest son of Mr. Joseph B. Dobie, ex-reeve of Sullivan, and Mrs. Dobie, and he was born 30 years ago on their farm, a short distance from Chatsworth. He received his early education at the Chatsworth public school. Following this he spent several summers with his uncle, Mr. --------- (sic) Dobie, of Thessalon, in long surveying trips through New Ontario. About 1909 Lt. Dobie entered the Owen Sound Collegiate Institute, where he was a student for nearly three years. In Sept., 1912, he joined the editorial staff of The Sun where as Associate Editor of this paper he rendered excellent service. In the summer of 1915, Lieut. Dobie spent six weeks at Camp Niagara and took out his commission. When the 147th Battalion was formed he was one of the first to offer himself and in December, 1915, joined the battalion. He was actively engaged in the organization and training of the battalion, being in charge of a platoon in the late Capt. Jack Campbell's company, going overseas in November, 1916. Lieut. Dobie was retained in England until June, 1917, when he joined the 4th C.M.R. batallion in France, and was identified with that unit until his death.

In the death of Lieut. Dobie Owen Sound suffers a very great loss. He was a young man who held the highest ideals, and who led an exemplary life. "Milt." Dobie, as he was popularly known, was quiet and unassuming in his manner. He was a real man -- square and above board -- always honourable and fair. These splendid characteristics. coupled with an unfailing good mature, won for him the respect and confidence of a host of sincere friends.

[two paragraphs omitted]

Besides his sorrowing parents, Lt. Dobie is survived by two brothers, Pte. Howard Dobie, in training in England, and Pte. Victor Dobie, at present at home on leave; also five sisters, Ethel, at home; Isabella, teaching at Shouldice school; Florence, at home; Violet, teaching at S.S. No. 10, Holland; and Margaret at home. In religion Lieut. Dobie was a Presbyterian, being a member of Division Street Church, and an active member of the Choir and Young People's Society. He was also a valued member of the Orpheus Chorus and was an Oddfellow.

[14 inches of official tributes omitted]
Photograph was included with article.

Another clipping possibly from an Owen Sound paper, hand-dated 1918, says:

GIVEN RANK OF CAPTAIN ON AUG. 12. Owen Sound Officer Recently Reported Killed in Action, Had Received Promotion

Word has been received here that Lieut. Milton Dobie had been made a company commander in the battalion with which he was serving, with the rank of captain, and that he took command on August 12th, only a short time before he was killed in action.