Paul Rushforth

My sincerest condolences to Paul’s family, especially his children, and to all of his many, many friends and colleagues.

Through his work, both as a realtor but also in philanthropy and community he has touched so many people in such an overwhelmingly positive way.

Rest in peace.

Dearest Petra and family,

We’ve never been so impacted by someone we’ve known such a short period of time, and we feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity. We’ll treasure our shared memories and Paul’s sage perspective and advice.
Lending you all our strength as you navigate this difficult time.
Rest in peace Rushy. ❤️

Dear Colleen, Ron, Samantha and extended family Of Paul,

I was saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. My late husband, Massimo Fata, always spoke highly of Paul and I know how deeply he was respected. Losing Massimo at a similar age taught me how especially difficult it is to grieve when someone still had so much life ahead of them. The dreams, plans, and years you expected to share make loss even harder to understand. While the pain never completely disappears, I hope you all find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and continue to speak of Paul often. Those memories become a precious gift. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
ELizabeth Fata

We, the Moss family, first met Paul when he was just seven years old — a wiry, determined little athlete with a grin that always seemed one step ahead of whatever joke he was about to make. Our son Tyler played competitive lacrosse with him on the Nepean Knights, and then through years of hockey — from minor hockey, to major junior, and eventually into the professional ranks. We watched him grow up in rinks, on fields, in carpools, and in those chaotic, wonderful moments that only families of young athletes truly understand.
To us, Paul wasn’t yet the man who would light up every room, build a respected real estate brokerage, or touch thousands of lives through his generosity. He was the kid who worked harder than anyone, who never quit on a shift, who lifted teammates with his energy, and who carried himself with a humility that stayed with him his entire life.
We knew his parents, Ron and Colleen, as the kind of people who quietly shape a community — Ron as our retired family doctor, and Colleen as the warm, steady presence who always had time for people. And of course, his sister Sam, who adored him. Even as life took us down different paths, Colleen and I continued exchanging Christmas letters every year, sharing updates about our families. Those letters kept us connected, even when time and circumstances made visits less frequent.
Reading about the man Paul became — the athlete, the mentor, the philanthropist, the leader, the father — it doesn’t surprise us. Not even a little. The seeds of all of that were there when he was a boy. His determination. His kindness. His loyalty. His ability to make people feel seen and valued. His laugh that could fill a room. His heart that always seemed bigger than whatever challenge he faced.
What moves us most is knowing that Paul lived his life with the same spirit he showed as a kid: wholehearted, generous, and fiercely devoted to the people he loved. He built a business that helped thousands of families find a home. He gave back to charities across Ottawa. He mentored others with sincerity and patience. And he created a family — Taylor, Hunter, Chase, Rhonda, Petra, and Zakary — who were the centre of his world.
Even though we hadn’t seen Paul or the family in recent years, the news of his passing hit with a weight that only comes when someone touched your life early and left an imprint that never fades. You don’t forget people like Paul. You carry them with you. You remember the boy, the teammate, the son, the brother — and you honour the man he became.
Our hearts are with Ron, Colleen, Sam, Rhonda, Petra, and all of Paul’s children. We hope they find comfort in knowing that Paul’s legacy isn’t just in his accomplishments, but in the countless lives he lifted, encouraged, and inspired — including ours!
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Sending much love to Taylor, Hunter, and Chase, as well as the Rushforth and White families, during this truly difficult time. xoxo

Dear Ron and Colleen
Neither Myself or Joni have been in touch with either of you for so many years and its extremely sad that it takes such a catastrophy as the passing of your son Paul for Joni and myself to reach out to both of you to send our love and sincere condolences.
I did not know Paul but I truly know and believe the APPLE does not fall far from the tree and in this case OBVIOUSLY that is so very true.
It is beyond my comprehension of what both of you are feeling at this difficult time. Within time we hope that the pain will lessen.
Let his Memory Be A Blessing

Bob Horlick and Joni Swedlove

I’m so sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know Paul well, but it was clear to me that he was a vibrant part of our community. My deep condolences to Colleen and the rest of Paul’s family.

I’m so sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know Paul well, but it was clear to me that he was a vibrant part of our community. My deep condolences to Colleen and the rest of Paul’s family.

We were deeply saddened by Paul’s passing & its with a heavy heart that we say a few words in this post. We knew Paul as we were neighbours in Constance Bay. Paul would invite us up to his deck for drinks if we were walking past his place on the beach. We remember his laugh & outgoing personality, the life of the party & always had tunes going. We also had the pleasure of meeting Petra as she welcomed us with open arms. We feel deeply for the whole family at this time. Rest in peace Paul, luv you💕

Dear Colleen and Ron,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your precious son Paul.
With so many fond memories of the two of you.
There are no words…🕊
Warmest, Paulette and Hubert 🕊

Our condolences to all family members and loved ones’

Thinking of you, Colleen and Ron, ever since we heard the heartbreaking news. We cannot begin to imagine the depth of your loss, but we hope you can feel the love and prayers surrounding you during this incredibly difficult time.
I will always remember you telling us, Colleen, when you helped us find our dream home, that you had taught Paul everything he knew about real estate. I have no doubt that he carried with him not only the knowledge and work ethic you instilled in him, but also the kindness, generosity, and character that so many people have spoken about. His accomplishments in real estate and hockey were remarkable, but even more remarkable was the person he became—a reflection of the love and values you and Ron gave him.
Please take comfort in knowing that Paul touched so many lives and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. After a life that made such a profound difference to others, may he now rest peacefully in God’s eternal Kingdom.
Please know that we are always here for you, today and in the days, months, and years ahead. We love you, Colleen, and will continue to keep you, Ron, and your beautiful family in our hearts and prayers.
With all our love, Piyanjali and Roger and our four kids

Ron, Colleen you have my complete sympathy and love.

Dear Colleen, Ron & Family,
Sending love from our family to yours. We will remember Paul and his legacy forever. He played a huge part in my life’s trajectory and I am eternally grateful. I can still hear his laugh, see his smile and piercing blue eyes. I will remember his kindness always.

On behalf of our Charity and the hundreds of families raising children with Autism in the Ottawa area that we have helped – expressing our sincere appreciation and sorrow over the loss of this Community Giant.
Paul had a vision for his company and we are grateful that included supporting Charities through the use of a Rushforth truck. Our Summer Day Respite Camp, Camp Kaleidoscope, had the fortune to have used the trucks now going on 15 years – as well as participation in some of our Fundraising Events. His loss is profound and we extend sympathy to all those whose lives he made a difference in.

Our deepest sympathy to all Paul’s family. We knew Paul when our son and Paul played hockey.
Pat, Don, Sean, Jason & Joshua Gordon

Barry and I are devastated by Paul’s passing.Our son Trevor played hockey with and against Paul for many years.Condolences to the Rushforth family.

Sending love to the Rushforth family and friends from Phoenix, AZ.

Stuart and I are devastated by Paul’s passing. We have been in utter shock and disbelief that Paul’s life has ended so unexpectedly. We are sending heartfelt condolences to Colleen and Ron, his three wonderful children, Petra and her son as well as his work family who all loved him dearly. We will miss his smile, his deep voice, his confident leadership and his presence. He will always be remembered as a beautiful sole who was loved by his family, friends and colleagues. Paul was truly one of kind and we will never forget his memory.

We knew Paul through our son James who is a Realtor on the Rushforth team.
Paul is someone our son looked up to as a strong visionary leader and as a mentor over his years on the team.
We have learned appreciate all that Paul did for the community via stories from our son and know how much he will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to be part of his life.
Our condolences to the Rushforth family and friends who knew Paul.
He will be missed.
RIP Paul 🙏

I am truly saddened by Paul’s passing. I met Paul in 2001 when I went to London to be Head Coach and General Manager of the London Knights. Paul was Player Assistant Coach. The moment we met I knew we would hit it off very well. We had a great relationship. He was very supportive and always willing to share his opinions in a very positive but direct manner. Thank you so much for that Paul. No matter the circumstance we always made room to share a good laugh, be open with each other and work together to find the best solution for the moment. I was very lucky to have spent time with Paul and to have Paul in my life. I know he will be tremendously missed by his family, friends and colleagues and my wife Barb and I wish everyone our deepest sympathy.
Rest in Peace my Friend,
Sincerely Bob Leslie

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s sudden passing.

I’ve known Paul since he was 16 years old, and he was always the same kind, generous, and welcoming person. He had a genuine way about him that made everyone feel comfortable, and he was someone you were always happy to see.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who knew and loved him. He will be missed by so many.

Our condolences to Paul’s family. I enjoyed listening to the Real Estate and Mortgage Show over the years and found it to be very informative. I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul recently through the sale of our home. He’s a real stand up guy and values his relationships. He will be missed greatly.

As I member of Paul’s family (uncle by marriage) I want to extend my condolences to all those who are grieving his loss. I know he touched many lives not just in family, but through sport, business, and charitable causes. He was far too young to depart and he will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincere condolences to all that will feel this monumental loss. Paul was a legend.

From our family to yours we offer sincere condolences. Paul’s laughter, sense of humour and big heart will never be forgotten. Love from Rosanne, Jakub, Jessica and Joshua.

Thank you for everything you did for my family and Mikayla, for the kindness, encouragement, and genuine impact you had on so many lives. You believed in people, celebrated their successes, and always found a way to make others feel supported.

Your encouragement meant more than you probably ever knew, and your legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives you touched. The community is better because you were part of it.

My deepest condolences to your family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Paul ❤️

Dear Colleen and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. It was such a pleasure to get to know him at the beginning of his realtor career with you, and it was a privilege to watch him grow into such a knowledgeable, honest, and respected professional in the industry. He later helped us sell a property in Orleans, and we were so grateful for his integrity, kindness, and genuine care throughout the process. My husband especially enjoyed their hockey chatter.

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. May the many wonderful memories you shared bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Catherine Shea

Our heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. We will remember Paul fondly for his kindness, warm smile, and the many years he spent at the Bell Media studios. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.

Our real estate community are shocked and deeply saddened for such a quick,unexpected departure at only 52 years . Sincerest condolences to his children, partner and parent. All the commentaries here are genuine and truth, there isn’t much more to add Paul willl be missed by his colleagues and friends that dealt with him in the industry. His children have a legend model Dad. ..

Dearest Colleen we are sending heartfelt condolences to you and Ron and your entire family. We are so very saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Paul will be by all!

Dear Petra,
It was so shocking to hear of Paul’s passing. You have been in my thoughts ever since.
It was so wonderful to spend time with you and Paul when I visited Deb and Chris at the cottage. I felt the love between you, and appreciated how you both welcomed anyone who visited with open arms, kindness and generosity. You were so fun to be with!
My 60th birthday was extra special because of you and Paul, including being “Petrafied”.
Paul had such a presence; a contagious laugh and warmness. I loved how he lived life loud – and gave so much to those in need.
We can’t take away the pain of your loss; I hope the outpouring of love from so many people helps to ease the pain somewhat.
My condolences to all of Paul’s family.
Dawna

We were Paul’s weekend Bay neighbours. Lots of memories of Paul and family out for a walk down the beach, usually a dog in tow. Often with his big smile. Always time to say hello to his neighbours.
Memories of Paul with his boat pulling the kids down the river on the tube don’t seem that long ago.
Tracey, Lindsey, Jacob and I would like to share our condolences with Paul’s family at this difficult time. Rest easy Paul.