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
Carlos Pinera
Francois Nzotungwanimana
Condeleances Nathalie et a toute la famille Kubryk!
Que l eternel acceuille son ame!
Sarah Rothenfluch
Oh dear Kelly my heart breaks for you and your family. With much love, Sarah
Peggy O'Neill
Going WAY BACK to our days working at The Hayloft restaurant in the late 70's/early 80's. Geoff and I landed a Skyline Cablevision show in 1980 or 81 - The DFL Today. He was at Stats Can. I was a Journalism student. The cable folks decided that was enough credibility to give us a sports show. Geoff was on camera, of course. I was interested in the production so I don't remember the content too much. I think it was a baseball show about bush league restaurant leagues. He was so enthusiastic, well prepared and energetic on camera. Who would do that?! His life has had such a remarkable impact over so many decades. My sympathies for a life cut much too short.
Yvonne Stinson
My Dear friend, i will miss you!
Kim Richardson
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Geoff was a bright light for soo many. I’m sure he was needed on the other side. Tough times for you all. Big hugs
Annemie Coox and Elisabeth Van Mol
Dear Kelly, it is with deep sadness that we learn that Geoff passed away. Although we only briefly met in Phoenix, the spark of joy and mutual love that you two radiated were obvious. It is testimony to the very special person Geoff was that the news of his passing comes as such a shock. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and wishes for strength for you and your family.
Nancy Chafee
Kelly, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I never had the opportunity to meet Geoff but I could see your face light up anytime you mentioned any of the wonderful adventures that you shared with Geoff. He sounds like an amazing human being.
Clara M Wicke
Kelly, Please accept my condolences. I never knew him, but he would have had to be very special to attract your keen eye. I am here if you need to chat. I lost my husband in May of 2019, age 68. I will reach out and pray for you. Sending you virtual hugs for now.
Paul Siaens
Having met Geoff for only the briefest of occasions, both in Ottawa soon after meeting Kelly and London on one of his many travels with her, I have always recalled what a warm and generous man he was. Kelly, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. My your memmories of your time together enable you to forever travel together in your imagination. Warmest of condolences for you and all Geoff's family.
Dear Geoff, my friend, we will miss you.