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
Marlena Borg
Barbara Sinclair
My deepest condolences to Kelly and family on Geoff's passing. I have the greatest respect for Geoff as a person and a law partner at Lang Michener/McMillan LLP. His intellect, jovial manner and wit made him a welcomed and memorable colleague. I always enjoyed our chats in the lunch room and at social events. He was famous for his celebratory circlings of the office after a legal win and he was always equally happy for the client as he was for the win. He will be missed but always remembered.
Dr. Thomas Smith-Assaly
Geoff,
It's been a minute but I don't forget the fun times with you and Michael. If you reunited with Mike to start your new firm up there, need you to handle my case to get me in when the time comes ... (ck is in the mail)
Adrienne Brodeur
Kelly,
It was so beautiful to reconnect with you last fall, and I was looking forward to meeting Geoff whom you described with such enthusiasm and love. I'm devastated for you and sorry for this heartbreaking loss. Please send me your address so I may write a proper letter. In the meantime, sending you love, Rennie
Kim Schoch
Have only loving and fond memories of Geoff through our years at Carleton.
Sending heartfelt sympathy and virtual hugs to Kelly and Geoffrey’s entire family.
Daniel Taylor
We are all thinking of you from far away. I only met Geoff a few times but his kindness, intellect and sense of humor were obvious from the outset. He wlil be missed by all of us.
Geoffrey Prudhomme
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Geoffrey at the Hayloft a real pro lots of class our battling voices during Happy Birthday songs will echo for eternity ( that's a Gladiator reference he me have enjoyed that) my sincere condolences to family and friend for such a great loss
Suki
I met Geoff early 80's while working at The Keg. Even the mention of his name sparks a smile. I can picture his smirk and glisten in his eye... just waiting for what will he say or do next.... love the guy, can't say enough about him. I am better for having known him ... he shooot he scorrrrrree !
Terri Pepper Gavulic
I'm sorry to be so late offering condolences but my team and I at TerraLex just learned of his passing. We are so saddened that we won't see Geoff at our TerraLex meeting around the world and will miss him as a bright light in our network. May he rest in peace.
Ian Mair and Jayne Stoyles
A true bright friendliness, remains my sense of Geoff upon first meeting and will be a lasting feeling remembering him. Sincere condolences and kindest regard to Kelly and the family.
I knew Geoff from our days at Carleton University. I was so sad to hear of his passing and I will always remember his joie de vie. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest now in peace.