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
Gaston "Gus" and Jane Barban
Kathy Boeyen-Landriault
I was Geoff's loyal assistant and my time with him was supposed to be a temporary office gig after getting laid off as a 2nd year electrical apprentice in 1992, but 28 years later and here I am writing this loving memorial for my boss. Our respect for each other was unparalled and he will forever be in my heart. No one will ever compare to Geoff. Rest in peace.
Jennifer Hill
No words can describe the loss this is. Geoff is a legend. If I can maintain even a portion of his zest for life I will be blessed. Some of my fondest moments were with him. He was my favorite lunch and dinner partner. We shared stories, we drank wine, and we laughed. Cheers to you my friend. I will miss you so very much. My heart is heavy tonight.
Gaston and Jane Barban
We extend our most sincere sympathies and deepest condolences to Kelly, the "children" and to the extended family on the sad and oh too soon passing of our dear Geoff. He had a wonderful sense of humour, a strong intellect, an amazing zest for life and a most genuine generosity. We will keep him in our hearts and minds for ever more.
Michael Rankin
Geoff was a wonderful colleague to all of at Mcmillan and he will he deeply missed. I was involved in the merger of Flavell Kubrick and Lang Michener back in 2005. This was a great move for our firm. Geoff was a distinguished lawyer in the international trade bar who quite literally won almost all of his cases. I always enjoyed and decided to replicate, his victory parades around the office holding up a copy of the successful decision. When I won I would do the same and his smile would be just as big.
Geoff loved sports. I had many good nights with him at Sens games. It was certainly advisable to ensure that you had a ride home as he did not approach these outings tamely.
We will all miss his daily banter, laughs, positivity and political commentary at the office . And, the twinkle in his eye of course which conveyed so clearly his love of life. I will look forward to attending his celebration of life as I am sure there are many stories that I have not heard that will strengthen my admiration for the great life he lived and will also bring a smile. Deepest condolences to Kelly and family.
Judith Godwin
There are never any words....... Kelly I feel blessed to have shared a part of your and Geoff's life journey. Sending so much love to all who knew and loved him!
Sherrilynne Starkie
My deepest condolences at this sad time.
Astrid Neuland and Perry Mason
Dear Kelly and family,
Perry and I are truly saddened to hear the news of Geoff's passing. As you wrote, he was a man of humour and wit, deep intellect, and to us a terrific partner in enjoying fine wine.
Our thoughts are with you and yours.
Astrid and Perry
Tricia Bowers Hudson
Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautifully written tribute to a wonderful man. I'm praying for you and sending lots of love your way.
Jonathan Wood
So sorry for your loss Kelly. Hope you are surrounded by family during this tumultuous time.
Our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Kelly, the "children" and Geoff's extended family on his sad and much too early passing. We loved Geoff for his sense of humour, zest for life and genuine generosity. He was a dear friend of almost 50 years and we will miss him deeply. He will remain in our hearts and minds for ever more.