Paul Rushforth Ottawa ON Suicide Obituary, Death – Real Estate Broker And Radio Host Has Died

Paul Rushforth Ottawa Death, Obituary – The Ottawa community is mourning the loss of Paul Rushforth, a respected real estate broker, longtime radio host, former professional hockey player, and passionate advocate for mental health, who died on Friday, July 24, at the age of 52.

Rushforth’s passing has left family, friends, colleagues, clients, and countless members of the Ottawa community heartbroken. Throughout his life, he built a reputation not only as a successful businessman but also as someone whose generosity, humor, and compassion made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

For nearly two decades, Paul Rushforth became a recognizable voice to listeners across Ottawa through his Saturday morning Open House radio program on CFRA.

Alongside longtime co-host Frank Napolitano, Rushforth spent 19 years discussing the local real estate market while entertaining listeners with the easygoing friendship that made the show so popular.

Napolitano paid tribute to his longtime friend, recalling the traditions they shared before each broadcast.

He remembered how the two often raced to arrive first at the station so they could jokingly claim the honor of buying breakfast. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic changed many routines, they continued arriving early, spending time laughing and talking before going on the air.

According to Napolitano, the chemistry listeners heard every Saturday reflected their genuine friendship off the microphone. He described Rushforth as someone who sincerely cared about helping others while always finding opportunities to bring laughter into the conversation.

Long before becoming one of Ottawa’s best-known real estate professionals, Rushforth pursued a career in professional hockey.

After growing up playing the sport in the Ottawa area, he spent approximately a decade competing in professional leagues across North America and Europe.

His career eventually took him to England, where he played for the London Knights, serving as both team captain and assistant coach. His family joined him overseas during that chapter of his life.

When the British Ice Hockey Superleague folded in 2003, bringing an end to the London Knights organization, Rushforth returned home to Ottawa. He later spoke openly about how uncertain that transition felt, facing the challenge of beginning an entirely new career while supporting a growing family.

Rather than allowing those challenges to define him, he embraced a new path.

In 2011, he founded Paul Rushforth Real Estate, a boutique brokerage that quickly earned a strong reputation throughout the Ottawa region.

The company became widely recognized for its memorable promise: “If you don’t sell your home, we’ll buy it.”

Over the years, Rushforth built one of the city’s most respected real estate businesses, earning the trust of thousands of buyers and sellers through his professionalism, integrity, and client-focused approach.

Following news of his passing, Paul Rushforth Real Estate released a heartfelt statement describing the previous day as “incredibly difficult.”

The brokerage thanked members of the public for sharing stories, memories, and messages of support, describing Rushforth as “an exceptional human being.”

Those sentiments echoed across Ottawa as clients, colleagues, and friends reflected on the qualities that defined him.

Many remembered not simply his business accomplishments but his willingness to mentor others, support charitable causes, and invest in the community he proudly called home.

Friends say Rushforth possessed a personality that naturally brought people together.

Former radio host Stu Schwartz remembered him as both an outstanding promoter and a loyal friend who never took himself too seriously. Schwartz recalled the many laughs they shared during Rushforth’s charity golf tournaments, remembering his playful sense of humor and ability to make every gathering enjoyable.

Whether on the golf course, behind the microphone, or meeting with clients, Rushforth was known for making people feel welcome and valued.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rushforth was also recognized for his commitment to supporting mental health initiatives throughout the Ottawa community.

His advocacy reflected a belief that success should be measured not only by professional accomplishments but also by the positive impact one has on the lives of others. Friends and colleagues say he consistently used his platform to encourage openness, compassion, and support for those facing personal challenges.

His willingness to give back further strengthened the admiration many people held for him.

Paul Rushforth’s influence extended well beyond real estate and broadcasting.

He will be remembered as a devoted family man, accomplished entrepreneur, former professional athlete, trusted radio personality, mentor, and community leader whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives.

The relationships he built, the businesses he helped grow, the laughter he shared, and the lives he impacted will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

As Ottawa mourns his passing, friends and colleagues continue to celebrate a life defined by perseverance, kindness, humor, and service to others.