Following a long, hard-fought battle with leukemia, Doug passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Natalia, his children Debbie (Kirk), Kim (Yolande), and Wesley (Christina), his stepson Sergey, his sister Joyce Carlyle Crowell, and her children Ariel and Peter. He will be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren Megan, Paige, Kaylen, Lucas, and Madison.
Born in Montreal to Frederick Rubbra of Alberta and Marion Catherine Pyke of Alberta, Doug was raised in Montreal and the Bahamas. His vibrant upbringing laid the foundation for a remarkable life. He was educated at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, and earned prestigious degrees from the University of Miami and UCLA. His distinguished career in the Canadian Public Service spanned 26 years, including 12 years at Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise, and 14 years with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. Doug was a fixture at international trade negotiations, particularly with the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Doug also enjoyed 12 successful years in the private sector as Vice President of the Association of Canadian Distillers.
An Advocate of Generosity and Service
Throughout his life, Doug was dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate. His volunteer work included raising funds for the Sunshine Foundation to grant wishes to terminally ill children and serving as a boat captain and board member for Catch A Smile – Friends In Sportfishing (FISF), a charity providing boat cruises and fishing trips for mentally and physically challenged individuals and the elderly. Doug also lent his time to food banks and other charitable causes, always offering his support and leadership with enthusiasm.
A Man of Character and Joy
Doug was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humour, and ability to make anyone laugh with his clever one-liners. His warmth and humor brought light to every room, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His kind and generous spirit was evident in all his interactions, from his professional life to his personal relationships.
A Legacy of Love and Dedication
Above all, Doug was an excellent husband, father and grandfather. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took immense pride in raising his children and step-children with love, wisdom, and guidance. He treasured the time spent with his grandchildren, embracing his role as a doting grandfather.
Doug loved golf and fishing, and always said he would rather catch a 2-pound bass on a fly line than a 100-pound marlin on a winch. He adored travel, especially cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean with his beloved Natalia.
Friends are invited to assemble and pay respects at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Saturday September 28th after 11 a.m. Funeral to be held in the Sacred Space at 1pm followed by interment and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Trinity College School General Scholarship Fund or Catch A Smile / Friends in Sportfishing, causes dear to Doug's heart. To attend via live stream please register here.
Digital Guestbook
Bob Publicover
Erin O'Manique, GEFC
Doug and Natalia were regular volunteers at the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard from 2015-2020. We fondly remember Doug's wit and caring. Our deepest condolences to Natalia and his extended family.
John James
Yes, a very good and gracious man. Doug's strength of character and incredibly subtle humour served him well through a wonderful life.
Michael Malley
Natalia:
I am greatly saddened by the news of Doug's passing. He and I went through TCS together, beginning in Boulden House and subsequently Brent House. And, while our meetings over the years became less frequent, Doug had a knack if being able to pick up the threads of a conversation we had had , sometimes several years earlier, as though it had taken place the day before. It says much about who he was as a friend to those of us who knew him.
My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
Dear Nat, I will never forget your generosity in 2017 when you and Doug invited me to stay in your Ottawa home while I was receiving radiation treatment for cancer. Doug was as decent as he was humorous, and he was blessed to have you as his loving wife. With deep sympathy, Bob Publicover, Waterloo Ontario