Peacefully, after a brief illness, at The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus.
Husband to Mari, father of Brent (Monique) and David (Fiona), and grandpa of Claire and Megan. Survived by his brothers Bob and Max in Melbourne, Australia.
A lifelong athlete, Graham grew up in Melbourne playing football and tennis. After graduating with an Engineering degree from the University of Melbourne, Graham embarked on a traditional Australian world tour, ending up in Montreal where he met Mari in 1962. They married in 1965 and moved to Ottawa in 1968.
A structural engineer and founding partner of Adjeleian Allen Rubeli Limited, Graham helped design and build many major public buildings including the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and The Fathers of Confederation Buildings in Charlottetown. He mentored many engineers who have since gone on to lead the profession across Canada.
Graham loved spending summers at the cottage or playing tennis and golf. In the winter, he enjoyed skiing with his family and friends at Mont Tremblant.
Although Parkinson’s Disease cramped Graham’s style in the last 15 years of his life, he showed amazing courage, resilience and determination to keep active and enjoy life.
Our thanks go out to the devoted personal support workers who cared for Graham over the past five years, to Dr. Fawzi Mankal and Dr. David Grimes, and to the medical and nursing staff in the trauma ward and on the palliative care team at The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus.
Friends and family are invited to assemble on Saturday June 15, 2024, at the Beechwood National memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 1:00 pm. A joint celebration of Graham and Mari’s lives will begin at 1:30 pm in the Sacred Space followed by a reception in their honour. Donations can be made to Parkinson Canada or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
David Bryden and Denise Martel
Sarah Read
I never met Graham in person, I have been friends with Brent for a couple years and he absolutely adored his father. He must have been a wonderful dad to have such a hardworking, intelligent, sweetheart of a son. My deepest condolences to the Rubeli family
Thady B Murray
I had the pleasure of working with Graham on several projects in Ottawa when he was the lead structural engineer for AAR, in particular Preston Square. Often we would secure a large tenant and would have to start building without the drawings finished. Graham was a steady hand at the tiller, with wry humour and always fun at our meetinng RIP. Thady
Warren Knowles
I too am one of Graham's mentee's. Although my time learning from Graham was relatively brief compared to some, he had a profound influence on me and indirectly the staff who I have worked with. Thanks again David for letting me know. My condolences to you and your family.
Chris Pallett
I met Mari and Graham back in the 70’s while working in sales at a Scandinavian furniture store in Ottawa. This led to many additional design projects with them and then to working with David and Fiona.
Graham was an easy and open man to work for, and always appreciated my assistance on a project, and I, in turn, was in awe of his engineering skills, happy to let friends and clients know that he was a long time client.
My sincere sense of your loss is profoundly weighing on me.
Love to Mari, David and Brent and their partners and children
Esperance Munezero
Dear Mari, Brent , David and family
It is hard to understand the mystery of life and death. It is not easy to accept that Graham is gone now , and none of your family members and your friends was ever ready to say good bye to someone as special as him so soon.
He was a fighter.
Wishing you all comfort and strength in these tough days.
I will continue to pray for you.
Sima Vatandoust
Drear David,
I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. His greatness undoubtedly left an indelible mark on your character and achievements. From the example set by such a remarkable father, it's no surprise that you have become the exceptional person you are today. May cherished memories bring you comfort during this difficult time, and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide you.
Robin Copestake
Fondly remembering all the laughs and teasing with big ears... whenever I hear carrot top or Bluey I'll think of Graham. All my love.
Yvonne Adshead
In the 1970's I worked for Adjeleian Allen Rubeli. I fondly remember Graham with a smile on his face, always calm, respectful and appreciative of any work that I and the rest of the office staff did. A very classy gentleman and Partner of the firm.
Chantal Gagnon et Richard
My sincere condolences to you Brent and Monique and to all the family. Bon courage. My prayers are with you all.
Mari it sad to hear of Graham's death. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Graham was for so long a steadfast member of the structural engineering community in Ottawa. He is very fondly remembered.