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.
A celebration of Graham’s life will follow in the Spring. Donations can be made to Parkinson Canada or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Michael Petrescu-Comnene
Linda Dugas
My deepest condolences to Mari, Brent, David and family.
Throughout the years Brent has shared many special stories of his family, that have deepened my understanding and appreciation of Graham’s many qualities and contributions.
Masato Kachi
My most sincere condolences. Your father was an amazing person. He had such a great sense of humour and was always so supportive. He will be sorely missed.
Rebecca Denyes
Very sorry for your loss Brent and Family. Your father sure sounds like a wonderful man.
Martin Charron
My sincere condolences to Mari, David, Brent and family. Brent, your Dad's amazing personality will continue to live through you. Sending you love during this difficult time.
Ewen Douglas Cornish
I’ve known the Rubeli family for decades. The recollection that sticks in my mind, for some reason is something Graham told me years ago. He was leaving work one day and going to get his car in an underground parking garage. As he was approaching his car he saw someone trying to break into his key lock. Calmly, he slowly walked towards the person and asked if he could be of any assistance. The person said no he’s ok, thinking that would end things. Graham calmly took out his car key and put it in the lock, and said that this might help. He then suggested that the young leave before he calls the police. Suddenly, the car thief disappeared. Graham’s Australian cool turned down the heat on the situation, and might have even convinced the lad to change his criminal ways. My very sincere condolences to the entire Rubeli family.
Lisa Laflamme-Sherman
Dear Brent, David and Mari and family. My sincere condolences to you all ❤️
Nathalie Dugas
Mari, Brent, David and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I know how much Graham meant to all of you. You all worked so hard to give him the best quality of life during the last few years. He will always be in your hearts. Sending much love and courage to your family, Nathalie. xo
Sylvie Bouillon and Jacques Lafrance
Dear Mary, We were privileged to know you and Graham... occasionally meeting Brent Monique and some members of your beautiful family in Mont-Tremblant. It is with sadness and our sincere sympathies that we share this difficult time with you following the death of Graham. We will keep beautiful memories of our meetings. Kind regards, Sylvie and Jacques.
Elena and Anto
Dear Brent, Monique and your family, we are truly saddened about your loss.Our hearts are with you In this difficult time.
I am one of many of Graham's mentée. He guided my professional development once landed in Canada. I learned from him to work hard, to be honest, to be demanding, and always fair with my team. May he rest in peace!