Paul Rushforth

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Simon Rushforth, who passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the age of 52. Paul spent his final moments in the place that brought him the greatest joy and peace, his beloved beach house.

Born in Prince George, British Columbia, and raised in Nepean, Ontario, Paul lived a life defined by passion, determination, generosity and an unwavering commitment to others.

A gifted athlete, Paul played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials and Belleville Bulls before being selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the sixth round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to enjoy a professional hockey career throughout North America and Europe, creating memories and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Following hockey, Paul found his true calling in real estate. In 2004, he began building what would become one of Ottawa’s most respected real estate brokerages. As founder of Paul Rushforth Real Estate, he helped more than 7,000 families find a place to call home while mentoring countless REALTORS® and building a team that reflected his values of integrity, collaboration and exceptional service.

Paul was also the longtime host of CFRA’s Open House: The Real Estate & Mortgage Show and the Gemini Award-nominated television series All For Nothing. His commitment to giving back was evident through his support of organizations including CHEO, Make-A-Wish, United Way, Canadian Blood Services, The Snowsuit Fund, Do It For Daron, the Ottawa Senators Foundation and many other charitable causes.

To know Paul was to know a man who embraced life wholeheartedly. He had an infectious laugh, a quick wit, and a smile that could brighten any room. As his sister, Samantha, so perfectly described him, he “lit up every room he walked into” and was truly “the salt of the earth.” He was kind, humble, fiercely loyal, endlessly generous and possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel important.

Above all, Paul treasured his family and the people he loved. He leaves behind his beloved children, Taylor, Hunter and Chase Rushforth, whom he loved deeply and was immensely proud of. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted parents, Colleen and Ronald Rushforth, whose love and support helped shape the man he became, and by his cherished Irish twin sister, Samantha Beck, her husband Mark, and their children Mateus, Mica and Mercer, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Paul also leaves behind the love of his life and common-law partner, Petra Sedlakova, and her son, Zakary Blais, whom he loved as his own. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, unwavering support and dreams for the future.

He is also remembered with love by the Sedlak family and the White family, both of whom were an important part of his life’s journey.

Paul’s legacy will not be measured by awards or accomplishments, but by the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, mentorship and friendship. He made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Celebration of Life

As Paul touched the lives of so many, the family has chosen to honour him through an intimate celebration shared with family, closest friends, cherished colleagues and those who knew him personally and walked alongside him throughout his life’s journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Shenkman Arts Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a tribute program beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Paul’s life was filled with love, laughter, and light. Join us in wearing colourful clothing as we come together to celebrate all that he meant to us.