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
Dean Roberts
May Elizabeth Hyde
Dear Kelly, A brilliant light is gone with Geoffrey's passing. Words seem inadequate when describing Geoff's beautiful soul. I will never forget his warmth, kindness and sense of fun. My deepest condolences to you, Alix, Nat, Sam, family and friends. My heart breaks for all of you.
Leslie Dunn
Kelly, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Mark Emond
Kelly
So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Mark Emond
Libby Nixon
Kelly, my heart is breaking for you. I am so terribly sorry. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you. I look forward to seeing you the next time you get to Toronto. Much, much love to you.
Michael Lloyd
Kelly, I am so shocked to learn about your loss. But I am glad, though, to have met Geoff - you two were a warm and happy couple and great company at the dinner table. Take care.
Jacqueline and Rui Gomes da Silva
Our deepest condolences to Geoff's family. We are shaken and deeply saddened by his passing. He leaves with us the perpetual flair of a joyful, kind and big-hearted human being. For all the life celebrating moments we shared together and cannot simply let time erase those irreplaceable memories, we will carry on his remembrance in our hearts, tenderly.
Jacqueline and Rui
Sara Piracha
Kelly, I send you my deepest sympathies. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Zaa Nkweta
My sincerest condolences to the Kubrick and Cook family. Kelly, I remember fondly your stopover while I was living in Halifax. It was a real pleasure to meet him and to see you again. My thoughts are with you.
Dugald Seely
Geoff was a good man. I will miss him and can only imagine the loss felt by his family and close friends. My condolences to Kelly and all who loved him.
I am truly sorry to learn of your loss Kelly. I recall years back when I passed through Ottawa and both of you hosted me at your home. He was so kind and funny, and it was clear to me that you'd found someone who complimented you so well. My heart aches for you my friend. Know that you are in my thoughts.