Christopher F. Reil

Christopher Francis Reil    Sept 20, 1953 – December 13, 2025

Chris was, to all of us at his firm, an exceptional colleague and a trusted friend. He embodied the very best of the profession: sharp and analytical in his thinking, meticulous and fair in his advocacy, and unfailingly generous with his time and guidance. His calm presence, sound judgment, and quiet wisdom left a lasting mark on our firm and on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Chris’ wife Lillian and son Aidan, with whom we share this profound loss.  Chris will be remembered with immense respect, gratitude, and affection by his colleagues, both in our firm, and in the Ottawa legal community.

The complete Obituary provided by the family appears below.

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Loving and devoted husband, besotted and proud father, steadfast and kind son, brother, uncle and friend, generous colleague and mentor, talented and dedicated lawyer, accomplished golfer. Chris was all of these, and so, so much more.

Chris earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Honours Philosophy from Carleton University, the latter in 1976. He obtained his LL.B. from the University of Ottawa in 1979 before being called to the Bar of Ontario in 1981. Sharp, analytical, meticulous, and fair, Chris was a skilled litigator. In the office, he was generous with his time, his presence and wisdom highly valued.

Outside of his profession, Chris lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed often. He enjoyed simple pleasures - a good meal, lively conversation, the sun rising over the first tee, movie nights, walking his beloved dogs, and a slice or two of coconut cream pie.

Chris' priority, however, was his family. He found great joy in passing on his passion for the game of golf to his young son, Aidan, of whom he was so very proud. They spent hours together on the links at Camelot Golf and Country Club, where Chris was a member for over thirty years. Chris considered fatherhood his greatest responsibility and he was an excellent dad, with Aidan's head and heart consistently paramount. Always ready with a hug, advice, time and heartfelt encouragement, Chris' love for Aidan knew no bounds.

In addition to his treasured son, Chris leaves behind Lillian Camilleri, his cherished wife and soul mate. Chris and Lillian shared a life together filled with dry wit, playful banter, and a great love both felt ridiculously fortunate to have found. He was her "rock", and she, his "fiercest advocate". They were by each other's side throughout, including these last months which enabled him to pass at home as was his wish.

Chris also leaves behind parents-in-law Felix and Carmen, sister- and brother-in-law Melanie and Dave, nephew Cade, dear brother Frank (Sharon) and nephew Josh (Kassaundra). Predeceased by parents Mary Gertrude Kathleen (Gertie) and Frank Alois, and brothers Duncan, Steven, and Robin. Sister-in-law Kathy (Robin), and nephews Matt (Brenda) - Carter and Caleb, Tom - Tanner and Sydney, Eamonn (Jane) - Samson and Winnie, and niece Stephanie and family, will miss his steady guidance.

The family thanks the extraordinary staff of the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, for their stellar care over many years including Dr. Canil for her gentle candor, Dr. Fitzgibbon for his uplifting humour, Dr. Duffett for her astute kindness, Dr. Wiefels for her positive optimism, countless nurses (including Fatima, Jessica, Kelly), other caregivers (including Caroline) and most notably, Dr. Morgan whose humanity and compassion let us know that we were never alone in this ordeal.

Additional and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Drake from the Civic Campus and Dr. Leckett, and home care Nurses James Lukas and Geneviève Lalumière, for their wonderfully compassionate care during this difficult time.

Chris' passing has left us bereft. He was a lovely man whose life was a beacon of love, dedication, warmth, kindness, and intellect. His is the story of a life well-lived and well-loved, and his memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Chris' journey through life was remarkable, and his spirit will forever be a cherished presence in the hearts of his family and friends.

Chris requested cremation. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date. All expressions of sympathy appreciated. Those wishing to do so may donate in Chris' honour to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stoke Foundation or the Humane Society of Ottawa. For online condolences and memorial service information, please visit  https://www.ottawacremationservice.ca/ or https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/.

• LL.B., University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario (1979)
• Honours B.A. (Philosophy & Psychology), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario (1976)

• Speaker, "Examining the Expert Witness on Discovery," Carleton County Law Association, May 1998
• Speaker, "Occupier's Liability," Risk Insurance Managers Conference, 2000
• Speaker, "Punitive Damages an Overview," Canadian Risk Insurance Managers Conference, Ottawa, September 2001
• Speaker, "Evidentiary Matters Relating to Fire Investigation," Canadian Association of Fire Investigators, June 2001
• Speaker, "Nuts and Bolts on Pleadings and Preliminary Matters," Carleton County Law Association, 2001