SYDNEY SONNEBORN

Syd was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Born November 17, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Charles L. Sonneborn, Jr. and Rosalie R. Sonneborn, he married Sandra Piper Sonneborn on March 30, 1967.

Syd graduated from Linsley Academy in 1956 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Painting from University of Illinois and a Masters in Fine Arts from West Virginia University after serving in the United States Air Force working on guided missile systems. In 1967, Syd and Sandy moved to Miles City, MT, where they lived happily for over 30 years. A lifelong artist across mediums ranging from painting to pottery to jewelry making, Syd worked as an art instructor at Miles City Community College from 1967 to 1998. During his final years at MCCC, he became an entrepreneur and co-founded a graphic printing business with his dear friend, Basil Pius. After selling the printing business, he and Sandy retired to Palm Desert, California, in 1998.

Syd made an important and lasting impact on his community. He helped to found the Waterworks Art Museum in Miles City (formerly Custer County Art Center) and served as President and Board Member. He remained on the board until recently. He also was the driver in bringing National Public Radio to Miles City by building a receiving antenna on Signal Butte, and he served on the board of Yellowstone Public Radio. Additionally, Syd was the inaugural President of the Montana Alliance for Arts Education.

A humble but dedicated man who cared deeply about his community and the larger world, Syd found great pride and happiness in his wife, two sons, and friends and family across the country.

Syd is survived by his loving sons, David (Nancy) Sonneborn of Indio, California, and William “Bill” (Karen) of Washington, D.C. as well as five grandchildren, Andrew Sonneborn, Maxwell Sonneborn, Mia Sonneborn, Lauren Sonneborn, and Lily Sonneborn.

Services are private with inurnment at Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City, Montana.

Those of us who knew Syd will miss his unconditional love, quiet kindness, creative genius, and ability to build just about anything.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to either of two organizations that Syd deeply supported: Waterworks Art Museum, Miles City, MT (Custer Counter Arts Center Foundation) and Oglebay Foundation, Wheeling.

Fitz Henry-Wiefels Palm Springs has been entrusted with arrangements.