Obituary
We gather to remember Rubene; a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend whose larger than life personality, smile and laughter could light up the darkest room. His sense of humor was infectious and always had a knack for making everyone smile around him.
Rubene, a son to Tony and Gina; that respected his parents and would do anything for them.
Rubene, a brother to Cesar; a partner in crime, a rock through thick and thin, his "mano".
Rubene, a husband to Laura; that loved his wife endlessly.
Rubene, a father to Adele; that is so proud of his greatest accomplishment and forever her hero.
Rubene, a multi-award winning advertising professional, an irreplaceable member of Scouts Canada, gifted with tremendous creative talent and a flair for the dramatic... he was one of a kind.
Rubene, Apple fan and aficionado, and tech backbone of Santa Cruz Church especially during COVID. Avid comic book reader and collector of man-cave knick knacks, figurines and doodad's. He really did have an eye for the unique.
Rubene, always the intrepid trailblazer, now the first of our generation to head into the unknown. We will miss your jokes, your laughter, your hugs, the mischievous twinkle in your eye.
This is not goodbye, but until we see each other again. May the force be with you.
_____________________________________
Reunimo-nos para recordar o nosso Rubene; um filho, um irmão, um marido, um pai, um amigo com uma personalidade extraordinaria, sorriso e gargalhadas que iluminavam qualquer ambiente. O seu sentido de humor era contagiante e tinha sempre o dom de fazer todos sorrirem ao seu redor.
Rubene, filho de Tony e Gina; que sempre os respeitou com muito carinho.
Rubene, irmão de César; um parceiro no crime, uma rocha nos bons e maus momentos, o seu "mano".
Rubene, marido de Laura; que amava infinitamente a sua mulher.
Rubene, pai de Adele; o seu maior orgulho e será para sempre o seu Herói
Rubene, um profissional de publicidade premiado por diversas vezes, um membro insubstituível dos Escuteiros do Canadá, dotado de um tremendo talento criativo e de um talento para o dramático... era único.
Rubene, super fã dos produtos Apple! Pilar technológico da sua querida igreja Santa Cruz, especialmente durante o Covid. Um apaixonado por banda desenhada e um colecionador de bugigangas, estatuetas e tudo o mais! Ele realmente tinha um dom para encontrar peças unicas!
Rubene, sempre o pioneiro nas aventuras, agora o primeiro da nossa geração a rumar ao desconhecido. Vamos ter saudades das suas piadas, das suas gargalhadas, dos seus abraços, e do brilho malandro dos seus olhos.
Isto não é um adeus, mas um Até logo.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Scouts Canada or The Princess Margaret Foundation in memory of Rubene
Please join us for a livestream of the visitation - Sunday July 6 from 3pm - 4pm EST - Please click HERE to view
Visitation
Date
July 06, 2025
July 06, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
July 06, 2025
July 06, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Service
Date
July 07, 2025
July 07, 2025
Location
Santa Cruz Portuguese Catholic Church
Santa Cruz Portuguese Catholic Church
Time
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Memo
Please note - Parking on Dovercourt and Argyle is reserved for funeral and family vehicles
Burial
Date
July 07, 2025
July 07, 2025
Location
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
Time
12:30 PM
12:30 PM
Memo
Arrival time is estimated
July 09, 2025
I’m so sorry to have just heard yesterday from an industry friend about your passing, Rubene.
We didn’t work together long, just about a year or so, but your pleasant character, and exemplar qualities of what any and every human being should be on Earth was shown on the 1st day we met, and I’m sure that your setting the same standards in the spiritual world as you enter into a place without any stresses of earth (like messy working files, etc. 😉) to deal with – even though you handled any challenging situation with strength and courage while here on earth. I’m hoping that things are as nice to you in paradise as you deserve for eternity. ♾️💫
My heart goes out to you and your family. ✨🕊️💞💐
You will be missed.
July 07, 2025
To Laura and Adele and your families, we are so sad and so sorry for your loss. Sending you much love and support. Will see you in the neighbourhood for real life hugs soon.
July 07, 2025
We were so sad to learn of Rubene's passing. Sending love and light to Laura, Cesar and their families. We are thinking about you all. xo
July 07, 2025
Dear De Sousa Family
My heart goes out to the family. I wish your family peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of Rubene, your spouse, father, son and brother. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Rubene will be missed. He will always be remembered for being an amazing person.
July 07, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the family on your great loss. Adele, Laura, Cesar & parents, may God give you strength during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace dear Ruben🙏
July 07, 2025
My deepest condolences for your loss. I had a great time with him during the Pacific Jamboree a year ago. His dedication, talent and sense of humour were second to none. Rest in peace!
July 07, 2025
My sincere condolences to Rubene and his family. Rubene was such a kind and caring person, I am really glad that I got to meet him at the World Scouting Jamboree in south korea. I will miss him.
July 06, 2025
To Laura and Adele and the whole family .
I knew Rubene from St. Mary’s high school…. He was truly a wonderful human being… 🥰
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family for your profound loss . my thoughts and prayers are with you and with you all. Sending hugs & strength Xo
July 06, 2025
Rubene and I worked on the National Service Team for Scouts Canada in the early 2010s. He was a strong supporter of youth leadership and always brought his joy and good attitude to the table. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
July 06, 2025
Awe Rubene 😞💔
You are so missed. Our community is mourning your beautiful soul and infectious smile. Thank you for being you. Heaven became that much brighter on July 1. You will always be with us. In our hearts and through your beautiful Adele. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🤍
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you Laura, Adele, Rubene’s parents, Cesar and the entire family. 🙏🏼🤍 There are no words 😔
July 05, 2025
Laura and family sending my condolences for you and your family.May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. My prayers are with you.
July 05, 2025
To you Laura, your daughter Adele, and other family members,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for this most profound loss in your lives.
May the precious memories of all that you shared bring comfort in your time of sadness.
July 05, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of working alongside Rubene at TBWA/Juniper Park for several years. I looked forward to that huge smile greeting me each morning. He was dedicated to his craft and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. He was a kind soul, with a great sense of humour and will be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to Laura and Adele and all of Rubene's family.
July 05, 2025
Hi Adele and Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. It's so unfair. If there is anything you need, let us know. Love Kat and Janet.
July 05, 2025
To Rubene’s family,
My condolences to you all. Rubene is and will always be remembered for his warmth, beautiful soul, his humour, his ability to connect with people and really, just being an extraordinary human.
July 05, 2025
My condolences to the family may Rubene rest in peace he was a nice person at my high school at St Mary high school at dufferin Park Ave.
July 04, 2025
Wow, my friend many a story we shared around the campfire at various Scout Camps we attended. The adventures you went on. Thank you for your service to scouting, it was a better place with you in it. You will be truly missed my friend.
To the family, thank you for sharing your son, your brother, your husband, and your Dad. Please know that he is truly at peace and with our almighty Father to watch over us until we join him again.
July 04, 2025
Rubene holds a special place in so many hearts. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him. He made the dullest days brighter, just by his presence (and his jokes). He had the most beautiful way of breaking awkward silences. He'd say, "Shh, you guys are talking too much," and it would break the ice in an instant. This is how I'll remember him: the smiliest face on our Teams calls with all his awards shining bright in the background. Sending deepest condolences and prayers to Rubene's family.
July 04, 2025
Adele and family - My deepest condolences. It is never the right time to lose a parent or a spouse - but especially difficult when they were so young. I am keeping you and your family close in my prayers. If there is absolutely anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask.
July 04, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Rubene through work when I first started out in advertising as a copy intern. I will always remember his warmth and kindness, and how he was the one person in the whole office that made me feel so welcome and part of the team. He was always there to chat, to help with ideas, be supportive, and play the best music. He brought a vibrant energy everywhere he went. Thank you, Rubene.
July 04, 2025
Everyone who had the privilege to have known Rubene is in mourning this week. Our thoughts are with Laura and Adele as they grapple with this great loss. The world is a better place for having had Rubene in it — even if that time was cut short.
July 04, 2025
My deepest condolences to Rubene's Family and loved ones, I cannot imagine your pain at this difficult time, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I had the pleasure of working with Rubene at Track, and will always remember him for his wonderfully bright energy, the silly jokes, and how he made us laugh. Im grateful for the patience and kindness he showed me, and admire him for the strength he had in approaching each day in the face of this unimaginable challenge. We feel his loss with a very heavy heart and wish his family strength at this tough time. Rest in peace, Rubene! 🕊️
July 04, 2025
Dear Laura, Adele and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you. Rest in peace Rubene.
July 04, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to De Sousa family. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
July 04, 2025
Condolences to Rubene's family and all who loved him. I knew Rubene in High School and he was the same beautiful soul that you have all described. When I moved to the UK and came back after almost a decade and needed friends, Rubene was right there. He even put me in touch with people I lost contact with. Funny, sweet, creative, loving, and tender soul. Thank-you Rubene, I appreciate you. Definitely a blessing in my life. You will be sorely missed.
July 03, 2025
Such a sad, profound loss. Rubene was the bright light in every room he walked into. Fond memories growing up with scouts at 42. Watching horror movies in the basement of my childhood home with cousins Cesar, Rui, Richard & others. Singing love shack into the broom microphone. So many good laughs. My deepest condolences to his parents, brother Cesar, wife Laura, and daughter Adele & to all family and friends who truly loved him. He will be missed, as he was a one of a kind gem. Shine on Rubene…
July 03, 2025
Laura , Adele , Cesar , Rosa ,Emma , Tony and Gina - my deepest condolences 💐 Rubene was one of a kind - and we all know that - first met him back in high school - full of talent, always with a smile , joking and making people laugh - lost touch over the years only to see him again and so happy I did ~ he was still the same amazing , funny guy I remembered - and had married a girl who went to elementary school with me -and his brother was with my best friend - talk about a small world :). Together we shared many laughs , stories and created memories when we became Emma’s godparents.
He will truly be missed but never forgotten- rest in peace my friend 😘 🪽 🕊️
Sending you all love and strength during this difficult time.
July 03, 2025
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May God & his Angels carry you all through this difficult time.
July 03, 2025
Rubene, your name awakens in me such fond memories of my teaching career at Santo Cristo School -- and your contributions to that end! Thank you for being YOU. It was a pleasure walking 'the Path of Life' together. Rest in peace as I think back on those \good ol' days' and YOUR contributions to that end! You have served God well and have surely earned your rest!
July 03, 2025
On behalf of Scouts Canada, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Rubene. Rubene was a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to Scouting made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of countless youth. His spirit of service, leadership, and belief in the values of Scouting will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. We are grateful for the time, energy, and passion Rubene gave to the Scouting Movement. He truly embodied the Scout Promise and Law. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
July 03, 2025
I was very lucky to have met Rubene while working at Track. He cracked me up daily and was always a pleasure to be around. I also learned a lot from him in Photoshop which I'll always be grateful for. He was not just a co-worker but someone who made us all look forward to going into the office. Rest in paradise brother, I'm keeping my layers clean for you for the next time we work on a Samsung launch <3
July 03, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Rubene at TAXI, and when he worked for Omnicom. We worked together on so many TAXI parties. He will always be remembered as a truly amazing human being. My sincere condolences to his family. He will sadly be missed
July 03, 2025
I was heartbroken to hear of Rubene's passing, please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
I had the privilege of working with Rubene at Track, he was not only a dedicated and talented creative but also a kind, compassionate person with a sense of humour that brought fun to the workplace. Rubene will be deeply missed by all of us.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and I'm wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
July 03, 2025
Com muita dor me despeço do meu querido padrinho, vou guardá-lo para sempre no meu coração.
Ao padrinho velho, prima Gina, César, Laura, Adele e restante família o meu abraço apertado e todo o meu amor neste momento difícil.
O Rubene ficará para sempre nos corações dos primos e afilhado de Portugal!
July 03, 2025
Laura and Adele and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that Rubene passed away. He and I were friends for many years in Scouts. He was my go to when I needed help. I remember when my group asked him to help us create our group badge. I’m pretty sure I ended up driving him crazy with all the changes and requests my group kept asking for, but he kept saying it’s okay and laughing about it. Then at one point he said no more changes I can’t take it anymore. And we laughed some more.
He was a wonderful person. And I’m sad that he’s gone. He will be missed.
My condolences. And as we say in the Jewish culture when someone passes - May you know no further sorrow
July 03, 2025
So very sorry for your loss.
For the past fifteen years, Rubene has been a constant in my life—always there, always dependable. He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to meet me in Toronto when flights got delayed or cancelled, no matter how last-minute. We worked side by side on countless Scouting projects, and he even jumped in to support several of our baseball initiatives, simply because he cared.
Rubene was the kind of person you could always count on—loyal, generous, and kind. A faithful Christian. A devoted husband and father. A true friend. A real Scout in every sense of the word.
His loss is being felt deeply by those who knew and loved him in Toronto, across Canada, and around the world.
I will miss him terribly—but I’ll carry his example of friendship, service, and goodness with me forever.
Rest in peace, Rubene. Thank you for always being in my corner.
💔
July 03, 2025
Laura, Adele, Cesar, Rosa, Emma, Tony and Gina; words can never express the sorrow and heartbreak of losing such a wonderful person as Rubene, Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of grief.
I meet Rubene in highschool and years later we rekindle our friendship when our two siblings began their relationship. It was always a pleasure to get together for family functions and just sit around talking and having a glass of wine. It was an honor to know the wonderful, gentle, friendly loving human being Rubene was. Not only were we friends but you welcome us as family into your home.
Your presence will be truly missed but your laughter and love will always be with us in our hearts and memories that will never be forgotten.
We know that we will be in good hands as you watch over us from heaven.
July 03, 2025
When I was very junior in our industry, I started at a new agency. I did not know anyone. I was in a new role that I knew very little about. Rubene was one of, if not the first person to smile at me and welcome me to the team. He continued to be friendly, and patient as I got settled in the role.
That has always stayed with me.
His friendly smile and welcoming personality made me feel at ease.
Rest in peace, Rubene.
You’re kindness and positivity will always be remembered and appreciated.
July 03, 2025
Our deepest condolences Laura and Adele and family. May he rest in peace and God give you strength in the days ahead .
Margaret , Donny, James and Andrew …
July 03, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of a great man who has left this earth too soon but will forever be in our hearts. Someone so kind so special can never be forgotten, may his soul rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
July 03, 2025
Rubene's humour and positivity were infectious. Ad agencies can be very stressful, but Rubene was one of those people who make an office a happy place to be. He used to joke about how badly a creative presentation could go, and it would crack everyone up; "The monkey is holding the beer!! Huh..? Is this upside down? Am I holding it wrong? What don't you people get...?"
My condolences to Rubene's family, friends and loved ones. I will remember the smiles and laughter. Rest in peace Rubene.
July 03, 2025
Rubene you were such a gem of a human and I had the pleasure of working with you twice. You were always there with a smile, a laugh, a shoulder, or a hug, ready to give what ever support anyone needed. To know you was to have a lifelong friend. Heartbroken for your family to whom I send much love and light at this time. The universe has lost one of its sources of true kindness and positivity. "See you at Vivo's"
July 02, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the news of Rubene's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... 🙏🖤
July 02, 2025
My sincerest condolences to you and your family
July 02, 2025
My dear Laura and Adele and family I still can't believe that Ruben is no longer with us, but I do believe that he will always live on in our hearts. My condolences to you and your family.
July 02, 2025
Dear Laura, Adele & Family..
We are heartbroken for your loss. Rest In Peace, our friend.
May God & His Angels carry you all through this difficult time.
July 02, 2025
Dearest Laura, Adele and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish that God grants you all peace, guidance and strength during this difficult time. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
July 02, 2025
My deepest condolences to the entire family. You were all in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
July 02, 2025
To Laura and family
My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss my thoughts are with you and your family
