The Ottawa community is mourning the loss of Paul Rushforth, one of the city’s most recognized real estate professionals, respected broadcaster, and former professional hockey player, who passed away on Friday at the age of 52.
Rushforth, the broker-owner of Paul Rushforth Real Estate, built one of Ottawa’s most successful and recognizable real estate brokerages while becoming a familiar voice to thousands of listeners as the longtime co-host of Open House on Newstalk 580 CFRA. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the real estate, broadcasting, hockey, and charitable communities, all remembering a man whose impact reached far beyond his professional achievements.
The cause of Rushforth’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
Founded in 2011, Paul Rushforth Real Estate quickly became one of Ottawa’s leading brokerages. During more than 22 years in the real estate industry, Rushforth helped over 9,000 families buy or sell homes, earning a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and a people-first approach.
In a statement following his passing, the brokerage reflected on the values that guided his success.
“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.”
The brokerage also pledged to continue the principles Rushforth established, emphasizing that the team remains committed to prioritizing relationships over transactions.
Beyond real estate, Rushforth became a trusted voice on Ottawa’s airwaves through his 19-year tenure as co-host of Open House, Newstalk 580 CFRA’s popular Saturday morning program focused on real estate and mortgages.
His longtime co-host, Frank Napolitano, shared the heartbreaking news in a tribute, describing Rushforth as a mentor, innovator, and cherished friend.
“What people heard on the radio was exactly who we were off the air,” Napolitano wrote, adding that Rushforth was “a mentor to many, a trailblazer in his industry” and “an even better friend.”
The station cancelled its scheduled Saturday broadcast following the announcement of his death, with a special tribute program planned to honor his life and legacy.
Before establishing his real estate career, Rushforth enjoyed a successful decade in professional hockey. He played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials and Belleville Bulls before continuing his career in North America and Europe.
He eventually concluded his playing career in England as captain and assistant coach of the London Knights. After the British Ice Hockey Superleague folded in 2003, Rushforth returned to Ottawa, where he embraced a new chapter in real estate while supporting his growing family.
The Ontario Hockey League also paid tribute to Rushforth, recognizing both his accomplishments on the ice and his remarkable success after hockey, describing him as one of Ottawa’s most recognizable figures in real estate.
Outside of business, Rushforth dedicated significant time and resources to charitable causes, particularly mental health advocacy.
His brokerage launched its annual charity golf tournament in 2012, raising more than $21,000 in its inaugural year for Do It For Daron, an organization supporting youth mental health. Rushforth described the cause as one “near and dear to my heart,” expressing his desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people facing mental health challenges.
He continued that commitment throughout his life, including speaking publicly at a men’s mental health fundraiser in 2025, where he openly shared his own experiences to encourage others to seek help and support.
Paul Rushforth’s passing leaves a profound void in Ottawa. He will be remembered not only as an accomplished entrepreneur, respected broadcaster, and former athlete, but also as a compassionate mentor, generous philanthropist, and community leader whose legacy will continue through the thousands of lives he touched.
He is survived by his family, friends, colleagues, clients, and the many people whose lives were enriched by his kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to putting people first. His memory will continue to inspire the Ottawa community for years to come.