Paul Rushforth, a prominent Ottawa real estate broker and longtime radio personality, has died at the age of 52. The broker, who owned one of the capital’s most recognizable local brokerages, passed away Friday. His death came without an announced cause. Rushforth served as the broker-owner of Paul Rushforth Real Estate. He was also a familiar voice to listeners as the longtime co-host of Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Open House. Before entering real estate, he spent a decade playing professional hockey.
Building a local business
The broker founded his firm in 2011 after establishing himself in Ottawa’s housing market. According to the company, he spent more than 22 years in the industry and helped nearly 9,000 families buy or sell homes across the region. The team noted that his success was rooted in a philosophy that put people first.
“He believed that people always came first,” the brokerage said in a statement. “He treated everyone with kindness, gave generously without expecting anything in return, and made people feel seen, heard and valued.”
The group said his lessons and standards would continue through the team he built. It remains committed to putting relationships ahead of transactions.
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The leap from professional athletics to a service-based sales career is rarely smooth. Rushforth’s ability to maintain a “people first” approach amid the pressures of real estate transactions suggests a resilience that was likely forged during his years on the ice. This mindset proved essential when handling the complexities of the housing market.
Radio and sports legacy
Rushforth spent 19 years co-hosting Open House, CFRA’s Saturday morning real estate and mortgage show. Frank Napolitano, his longtime co-host, announced Rushforth’s passing on Facebook. The announcement noted that the news had “shocked all of us.”
Napolitano said listeners connected with the pair because “what people heard on the radio was exactly who we were off the air.” He described Rushforth as “a mentor to many, a trailblazer in his industry” and “an even better friend.”
This past Saturday’s program was cancelled. A tribute broadcast is planned for next weekend.
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On the ice, Rushforth played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials and Belleville Bulls. He later played nine years professionally in North American and European leagues. His family moved with him to England, where he finished his playing career as captain and assistant coach of the London Knights.
When the British Ice Hockey Superleague folded in 2003, Rushforth returned to Ottawa determined to build a new life. The transition was daunting, according to reporters. He suddenly had to find a career, a home and a way to support his growing family. He entered real estate soon afterward.
The Ontario Hockey League also paid tribute following his death with a post on its website, noting Rushforth went on to become “one of the region’s most recognizable names” in Ottawa real estate.
