It is with heartfelt sorrow, but with the appreciation of a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Geoffrey (Geoff) Charles Kubrick on March 29, 2020 in his 65th year. Adored husband and best friend of Kelly (nee Cook) since their storied blind date in 2003. Geoff was the deeply proud father of Nathalie Batten, Alexandre Kubrick and Samuel Kubrick. Loving Grand-papa of JJ and Annabelle (Batten), son of Marion and the late David Kubryk, and brother of Gillian Kubryk and Giselle Kubryk.
Geoff graduated from Carleton University in 1979, and began his career as a statistician. After a fateful parking ticket, he proceeded to argue his way through law school, graduating from the University of Ottawa in 1986 as what he called “an aging rookie”.
In 1993, he and his ‘brother in Law’, Michael Flavell formed their boutique international trade law firm in Ottawa. Well-known for punching above their weight, both Flavell and Kubrick created a big splash by making tradition, generosity and fun a large part of their brand.
As one of the most respected trade lawyers in Canada, Geoff headed the International Trade Group at McMillan LLP for the past 15 years. Over his career, Geoff made significant contributions both to the development of the Canadian trade bar, and to Canadian trade law. An impressively large number of successful Canadian trade lawyers can trace their roots back to Geoff’s formative influence. As counsel in over 100 trade cases, Geoff set key legal precedents and helped establish many of today’s practices.
Famed for his facility with numbers and movie-themed legal arguments, the joy he brought to his work was evident. Geoff regularly performed his victory marches around the office with his hands raised in the air to celebrate a win. Everybody loved and looked forward to them, and there were many.
Geoff treasured his times with his Nath (“ma chouette”), Alex and Sam, lovingly referred to his as his “babies”. A sports fan extraordinaire, at 49, he became an avid downhill skier, particularly embracing its après-ski aspects. A loyal fan of the Ottawa Senators, Geoff had season’s tickets from their first season in 1992. Fans could always hear his distinctive bellow as he berated players, refs or coaches – and he could be heard from anywhere in the arena.
Geoff’s life was enriched in countless ways when Kelly came into his life. Always an enthusiastic traveler, his irrepressible grin shines from countless photos of his and Kelly’s trips together. All of life’s adventures with him assumed great wine, delicious meals, endless humour, laughter and deep love.
He leaves us all with extraordinary memories of his intellect, voracious reading interests, wit, warmth and laughter, which will live on, warming our hearts for years to come.
We are grateful, and express our heartfelt thanks, to the many compassionate caregivers who flanked him in his battle with cancer. For those wishing to honour Geoff’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to May Court Hospice, the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre or The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
All will be welcome to join us virtually on Sunday, August 29th, 2021 to celebrate the life of Geoff Kubrick.
Digital Guestbook
Simon Potter
Vladimir Ilichev
Rest In Peace. I will always remember your personality. You were a great example for those who started their trade law adventure.
Ed Pundyk
What a force of nature was Geoff Kubrick! He will be greatly missed.
Leona
I had the opportunity to be able to work with Geoff and his joy was tangible. I loved his jokes, enthusiasm and his love of life. He will be deeply missed.
Laura Buder
I am very sad for his passing, but so very blessed to have known and worked with him. He always had a smile or a bad joke that would have me laughing out loud! Mostly laughing with him because he’d be laughing at his own jokes! He sure loved life, his family and his wife. Kelly, sending virtual hugs. It was so nice to know you, Geoff. My sincere condolences to your family.
Steven Gaon
Geoff was such a special guy, larger than life...briliant, funny, generous and definitely bombastic at Sens games! I'll miss him very much. To Kelly and Geoff's kids and family: I know this loss must be enormous for you. My deepest condolences.
Alex Lawton
My deepest condolences to Geoff's family. He was a positive influence on everyone who had the privilege to work with him, and I can only imagine how much he will be missed by those closest to him.
Jose POBLANO (Mexico)
My sincere condolences to his family. Geoff was a great man and always available for a good moment. I was lucky in enjoying several hockey matches with him, accompannied with a good beer: he was easily noticed when bad decisions were called by the referee. RIP
Donald Orth
My thoughts and condolences are with Geoff's family and friends. I knew Geoff from my days in the Anti-dumping and Countervailing Directorate at the CBSA where I came to respect Geoff's intellect and humour. He had a real passion for his profession and he will be truly missed in the trade community.
Alexa Dodge
My deepest condolences. Sending you much love Kelly.
My deep condolences to all Geoff's family. His passing is a great loss to the Canadian trade bar but his infectious enthusiasm and explosive humour will be long remembered and cherished by much more than the trade bar.