It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Paul Rushforth, the founder of Paul Rushforth Real Estate. Paul built our team, mentored the people in it, and shaped the way we care for families across Ottawa every day.
He believed that people always came first. He treated everyone with kindness, gave generously without expecting anything in return, and made people feel seen, heard, and valued. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him are better because of it.
Our hearts are broken, especially for his children and his family, but we’re also deeply grateful for the outpouring of love we’ve witnessed.
The greatest way we can honour him is to continue what he started. To care for people. To serve with honesty and compassion. To keep putting relationships before transactions, just as he always did.
We’ll continue to update this page as ways to honour Paul are confirmed. Thank you for keeping Paul’s family, his friends, and our team in your thoughts.
August 6, 2026 – Celebration of Life
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Shenkman Arts Centre, Orléans
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. | Tribute program at 5:00 p.m. | Evening ends at 8:00 p.m.
There was colour in everything Paul did. Bring some with you and help us send him off the way he lived: warmly, loudly, together.
August 1, 2026 – CFRA Paul Rushforth Tribute
For years, Paul was a familiar voice on the radio as a longtime host of Open House: The Real Estate & Mortgage Show on CFRA.
In his memory, the show is expected to return on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with a special tribute celebrating Paul’s life.
Share a Memory
Paul touched a lot of lives, and many of you have stories his family has never heard. If you have a memory you would like to share, however long or short, they would be grateful to read it.
Every memory is read before it appears on this page.
Shared Memories
Memories shared by those who knew Paul. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write.
I suspect I speak for others as a regular listener to the show, but the very helpful information Paul imparted to his audience over the years always made me feel more confident whenever I met with my realtor – and our conversations were far more meaningful as a result.
Although the show is a paid program, Paul never came off as a shameless self-promoter. He praised his team, was never condescending to the listener, and as many of us are only now learning, was a deeply caring and compassionate man. A highly skilled communicator, his knowledge, accomplishments, self-deprecating humour (loved when he’d say “I don’t want to come across as a sleazy realtor, but…”),all without a tinge of arrogance or ego made me coming back for more. Educating his audience was his priority.
Condolences to his family, friends, and the many CFRA listeners he touched.
Donald
How I knew Paul: Open House Podcast
I want to start by offering my deepest condolences to Ron and Colleen, Taylor, Hunter and Chase, Petra, and Rhonda.
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul through Hunter. My son, Parker, and Hunter were Grads teammates for many years. As many competitive hockey families know, you build incredible friendships and create memories that last a lifetime.
With a personality like Paul’s, there are countless stories, but my favorite will always be the infamous “Purple Coat Abort Mission.”
We were at a tournament, and Paul decided it would be a great idea to wake Guy Bourque up. Confident he knew which room was Guy’s, he and Kevin Lister headed down the hall. To their surprise, the door was slightly open. They crawled into the room on their hands and knees, and just as Paul stood up, ready to jump onto the bed, Kevin spotted a woman’s purple coat hanging nearby and immediately whispered, “Abort! Abort! Purple coat! Abort!” Moments later, they heard Kim call out, “Ello? Who’s dere?” They came sprinting back to the parents’ party room, and we were all in tears laughing as they reenacted every detail.
That was Paul—always creating memories and making everyone around him laugh.
Paul was always there for me and my family. It didn’t matter how busy he was or how successful he became—he always made time for people. I remember messaging him to ask if he happened to have early access to Luke Combs tickets at the Canadian Tire Centre. Without hesitation, he asked how many I needed, and they were transferred to me within minutes.
When we sold our family home, we made the difficult decision to use another realtor. After our house sold quickly, Paul personally reached out to apologize, saying he may not have priced it quite right had we listed with his team. There were no hard feelings—he was genuinely happy for us. That spoke volumes about the kind of person he was. With Paul, it was never about business; it was always about people.
When I was going through a difficult time in my life, Paul never thought twice about offering me time at his cottage if I needed to get away. Always making sure I knew I was welcome there. His kindness, offered so freely and without expectation, meant more to me than he ever knew.
I’ll miss your birthday texts every year.
I’ll always regret that we never got to take that Sea-Doo ride we kept saying we’d do after you bought yours.
More than anything, I wish I had one more conversation with you.
Thank you, Paul, for your kindness, your generosity, your laughter, and the countless memories you gave all of us. You made a difference in so many lives, and you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Lori Nistico Lefebvre
How I knew Paul: Through Hunter
My deepest condolences to all of Paul’s loved ones. A truly heartbreaking loss. I met Paul
In Junior High school years-during his hockey days, and would hang out with him and the rest of his buddies. I recall going to his home a few times, meeting mom and dad and of course Sam, who I thought how lucky Paul was with ‘the coolest sister’. I remember Paul then as always energetic, fun, confident and social. In our adult years, while we hadnt seen each other IRL in many years, thankfully social media enabled a casual connection to help see how our lives were unfolding – often times saying to myself, wow, look at Paul go!! 🙌
May Paul’s memory and legacy bring comfort to his loved ones during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and heart.
Tammy Sadinsky
How I knew Paul: Childhood friend
May his soul R.I.P. My condolences to the family.
Maggie Rolke
How I knew Paul: I listened to his radio program on 580 FRA every Saturday
Funny and passionate. A joy to work with
Colin Boettcher
How I knew Paul: All for nothing tv show for 3 yrs
I met Paul as a fan and play-by-play commentator when he was playing professional hockey in Great Britain for my team the London Knights. He was always friendly, with a huge smile and a great story to tell. When he led the team to the 2000 British Ice Hockey Superleague Playoff title, he made us all champions.
Roger Hall
How I knew Paul: Ice Hockey in Great Britain
We met years ago through mutual friends at Moxies. Paul was one you gravitated to and his sense of humor was certainly unnoticed. When Paul and I chatted he would listen and show compassion. Great guy who will be missed by everyone. 🙏
Darlene Fadden
How I knew Paul: Through many mutual friends!
I had the privilege of going to school with Paul for a year. His impact on the social fray of our class was immediate and positive. Paul’s warmth, kindness and jovial demeanour was loved by everyone. My heart and thoughts go out to Paul’s family and friends.
Ross Tavel
How I knew Paul: High School
We remember Paul, as a very fun, welcoming and kind Man. We spent some time with him and Rhonda in Layfayette, La. we enjoyed his personality and always knew he would be a great human being, especially in a public way. To see his success in real estate and the outpouring of love in the City of Ottawa..is heartwarming. ALide well lived.
Lisa and Bill Thurlow
How I knew Paul: Louisiana Ice GatorsHockey Team
Sincere condolences to the Rushforth family.
May he rest in peace.
Wanda Bosada
How I knew Paul: Through the real estate industry
We had a recent transaction. He had always positive impact on me. It is sad to lose a colleague especially when it is unexpected.
Burhan Celik
How I knew Paul: colleague
There is a lot to say but one thing is for sure, he is the best boss.. down to earth, kind and generous.
Grace Domo-os
How I knew Paul: I have known Paul about 19 yrs ago. I worked with his family. He is nice very nice and have a good heart boss..As i described him” look tough outside but soft inside”. His team help us find out home as well. I will never forget you Paul. My heart aches… and for your family. May you rest in peace..
About 17 years ago I invited Paul to put on a seminar for my clients. I was a financial planner trying to encourage my younger clients to invest in real estate as it worked well for me. He was funny, gave good advice and I know some clients followed up directly with him.
As a loyal listener, and sometimes caller, to Open House, I was shocked to hear of Paul’s death. His dry wit and knowledge will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Carol Burtonshaw
How I knew Paul: Put on seminar for my clients
I’ve been listening to the radio show for about 20 years and was shocked to learn of Paul’s passing. I loved his and Franks energy on the show. Paul’s sense of humor, knowledge and experience always shined through air waves. Being a dedicated listener I feel like I know the guys on a small level. He truely touched and influenced more people than he could imagine – like me. We lost an Ottawa legend. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Paul.
Rick
How I knew Paul: Radio Listener
School events and our love for thanksgiving and pies. You will be greatly missed.
Liese Bruff
How I knew Paul: Chase went to school with my daughter and realtor
Hi,
I’m sorry for your loss. Wow.
I haven’t seen Paul since the late 1980s. He appeared at Ashbury College in the last year of Junior School, Grade 8. It was amazing how quickly he found his place in a group of kids who had been together since Grade 5. He was truly gregarious and social, and I always smiled when I saw his advertising.
So while we hadn’t seen each other in something approaching 40 years (wow…), I still remembered him fondly from my childhood days.
May you find comfort,
Lawrence
Lawrence Wade
How I knew Paul: Ashbury College
The Rushforth family was such a huge part of my life growing up. Their home was like base camp for all of us. I met Paul in Grade 7, and from that point on our worlds of friends collided. That house was filled with laughter, friendship, and some of the very best memories of my high school years.
Paul and Sam were magnetic—the kind of people everyone wanted to be around. We were incredibly lucky to share those years together with such an amazing group of friends. We spent countless hours together, making memories that have stayed with me for a lifetime.
And behind it all were Colleen and Dr. Rushforth. They opened their home to everyone, welcomed us like family, and somehow always knew how to keep us pointed in the right direction. If you found yourself in trouble, they were the parents who would pick you up, dust you off, and help you get back on track.
After I moved out west, I always kept tabs on Paul. Especially in real estate as I share the same or similar career. Whether I was back in Ottawa or reaching out from across the country, he was always genuinely happy to hear from me. That’s the thing about Ottawa—our roots run deep. You can take the girl out of Ottawa, but you can never take Ottawa out of the girl.
Like so many others, the news of Paul’s passing has absolutely rattled my world. And I haven’t even seen him in years. It just goes to show the kind of person Paul was. Some people leave such a profound mark on your life that time and distance never diminish the connection. The friendships he built, the lives he touched, and the love he gave were powerful, meaningful, and truly irreplaceable.
Rest easy, Paul. Thank you for being such a special part of some of the very best years of my life. You will never be forgotten.
Caronne ‘Wagstaff’ (Marino)
Caronne Marino (aka Wagstaff)
How I knew Paul: Childhood friends
It’s hard to find the right words for someone as special as Paul.
I still remember when we were both starting out in real estate. I was struggling to open a door for a showing on a condo on Jeanne D’Arc, and without hesitation, Paul said, “Don’t worry,” rushed over, and helped me. That simple act of kindness was exactly who he was—always willing to help, always there when someone needed him. I shared this story with many realtors.
I also have wonderful memory of sitting at my home during the earlier days, sharing a cup of tea while working through a real estate deal together. Paul was one of the Realtors I always told other fellow realtors that, I could complete an entire transaction with him without worrying about paperwork. I trusted him like a brother.
Paul was truly an amazing person and an exceptional Realtor. He made our profession and everyone around him better.
You will be deeply missed brother. Rest in peace.
Maz Karimjee
How I knew Paul: Colleague/Friend
I didn’t know Paul personally, but for the past three years, he generously lent his moving truck to Gloucester High School for our commencement ceremony at no cost.
It may not seem like a huge gesture to some, but every penny counts for our school, and his kindness truly made a difference.
If he was this kind and generous to strangers, I can only imagine how incredible he must have been to those who knew and loved him.
I am so very sorry for your loss. ❤️
Laurie Waara
How I knew Paul: Through Gloucester HS graduation
Five years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my career.
After spending my entire real estate career at Tracy Arnett Realty, it was hard to imagine calling anywhere else home. Stepping away from the only brokerage I had ever known wasn’t an easy decision, and naturally, I had a lot of questions and uncertainty about what came next.
Before I made that leap, Paul invited me and another colleague to meet him for lunch at a little spot around the corner from where we both lived. It wasn’t a sales pitch. It wasn’t about production numbers or transactions. It was simply a conversation. He wanted to make sure we knew that if we joined his brokerage, he would always have our best interests at heart.
That lunch told me everything I needed to know.
From the moment I met Paul, he cared about the person first and the agent second. In an industry where it’s easy to become just another number, Paul had an incredible way of making everyone feel valued. He genuinely wanted to see people succeed—not just professionally, but personally. That wasn’t something he said; it was something he lived every single day.
Over the next five years, he continually proved that first impression right. Whether it was offering advice, celebrating successes, checking in, or simply taking the time to listen, Paul led with kindness, humility, and generosity. He built far more than a successful real estate company—he built a family, and everyone fortunate enough to be part of it felt that.
Thank you, Paul, for believing in me, for welcoming me with open arms, and for showing me what genuine leadership looks like. Your impact on my life and the lives of so many others will never be forgotten.
Jonathan Hull
How I knew Paul: My friend, and mentor!
We got to spend some time with Paul at a Sens game in his company box. It was a wonderful night at which he made us feel comfortable and was very down to earth. We were very sad to hear of his passing. RIP Paul
Sheila Schnupp and Norm Charlebois
How I knew Paul: Kevin Janega is our real estate agent. We were invited to watch a Sens game in their box.
Paul was the kind of person who was always willing to take a call, offer advice, and share his knowledge with generosity. His guidance, professionalism, and unwavering support made a lasting impact on so many, myself included.
Shawna Blanchard
How I knew Paul: Business
Just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for Paul’s passing. It was quite a sad shock.
As time passes. I hope you can all find peace and comfort in your memories.
Jennifer Blanchette (Kuntz)
How I knew Paul: Friends during high school and after
I met Paul at a three day conference in San Diego. We’re in the same industry and I could not have met a more genuine, cool human being. Very very sad to hear of this news. Praying for his immediate family and the millions that he has touched over the years and decades prayers being sent
Jay
How I knew Paul: 3 day conference
I had the privilege of working with Paul for over 10 years, starting in my early twenties at my very first corporate job. Looking back, I realize just how much he shaped my career and my expectations of what a workplace should be.
Paul set the bar incredibly high. He led with kindness, compassion, respect, and genuine care for every person on his team. He didn’t just employ people, he made us feel like family. No matter how busy he was, he was always just a phone call away, ready to listen, help, or simply check in.
He had a remarkable way of bringing fun and laughter into the workplace, making even the most repetitive days enjoyable. His positivity was contagious, and he created an environment where people genuinely wanted to come to work.
Beyond the office, Paul’s generosity and commitment to his community were unmatched. He always found ways to give back and went above and beyond for others without expecting anything in return. That kind of leadership and selflessness is rare.
I will always be grateful for everything Paul taught me, not just about work, but about how to treat people. The impact he had on my life, and on so many others, will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Petra and the Rushforth family, and everyone who loved Paul. He made a lasting difference in my life and in the lives of countless others. I hope it brings you some comfort to know how deeply he is and will admired, respected, and loved.
Tadja Shahbazian
How I knew Paul: Former employee (2013 to 2023)
I lived in Ottawa from 2002 to 2012. Paul was just getting going then and mentored me as I was in my early 20’s building a company called Williams Landscaping which is still around today. We’d go for lunch and talk business and run ideas by each other. He was a busy guy then too, and alway took time to meet and give me advice as he cared about my general well being and business growth. We landscaped he’s first house around his pool in Ottawa and did many of his friends as well. Paul has been on my mind several times a day since the day he passed, I bursted out crying when I heard, and I haven’t seen or talked to him in 15 years. That’s the affect Paul had on people. My heart goes out to his family and friends. There really is only one Paul Rushforth.
Matt Williams
How I knew Paul: Friend
Paul, I can’t begin to express what you meant to our family.
When you granted Mikayla’s wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you gave her so much more than a wish—you gave her joy, hope, and memories that we will cherish forever. For someone to take time out of their busy life to make a child’s dream come true is something we will never forget.
Thank you for all the times you took the time to talk with us and help get things moving along for Mikayla. Thank you for coming to her birthday parties and fundraisers. You never had to, but you always showed up with kindness, generosity, and a genuine heart.
Every time we saw you, we knew we had found a true friend. Your compassion touched our lives in ways you may never have realized.
You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Paul.
Cyndie Fleming
How I knew Paul: Friend
My favourite memory of him is how he promoted his business and that he never took himself too seriously! He got involved with the community, not because he had to, because he wanted to. I’ll forever cherish our moments together! Rest easy now and I could still take you
Stu
How I knew Paul: Friend
You definitely didn’t know how to pick football teams—always jumping on the bandwagon, and somehow you still couldn’t beat my Eagles! We would definitely always chirp eachother for our football teams, him as KC fan and me as a die hard eagles, texting and messaging during the big superbowl where the eagles absolutely destroyed KC and he wanted to bet away anything that he was big favorite. Mahommes doesnt loose he would constantly say !!
All jokes aside, admired his business sense, how big of a legacy he created in the real-estate world. Him getting out in the social media world, radio space, great golf tournament he put on. So we could relate to many of these things as our similar. We would see eachother and connect or have a quick beer as we where always crazy busy entertain customers clients and friends at events like fight for cure, or many other ottawa events.
Rest in peace, Paul. Until we meet again !!
Philippe Laplante
How I knew Paul: Sunday Football Games at Rick’s or Mike’s
Paul Rushforth was an incredible human. He gave to many people many, many things.
To me, when he knew I was preparing to leave provincial politics, he gave generously his time and advice in the most positive and infectiously enthusiastic manner possible.
His family has lost a man of great character, his friends have lost a man of genuine authenticity and our City has lost a man of great consequence.
Paul Rushforth was a true builder. May he rest easy and in peace and may his family know what a blessing he was to all who knew him.
Hon. Lisa MacLeod
How I knew Paul: Public Figure
One of my favourite memories with Paul was when he first introduced me to jet skis, that one morning day he brought jet skis to the cottage he brought me on to the jet ski while he taught me how to use the jet ski and at first it sounded confusing but when I got the hang of it, it was-the funniest things I will probably ever do in my entire life, plus it was even more fun when Paul was riding with me.
Zakary Blais
How I knew Paul: Step dad
I met Paul when selling my home approx 20 years ago. When other agents brushed me off, he was patient, knowledgeable and reassured me everything would be just fine. Fast forward 20 + years, he’s been my go to for each sale and purchase and became a friend. We have laughed, shared stories over meals and someone I was proud to call friend. His loss leaves such a void in so many ways… professionally, personally and most importantly, as a great human being. I’m thankful to have told him that the last time we spoke. I will miss the laughs! Rest peacefully my friend! May your family and friends find comfort in all the amazing ways you touched their lives.
Melva Henry
How I knew Paul: We met approx 20 years ago to sell my home