If a life well-lived is one measured in how many lives you touch, then A.J. Plant, regional owner of EXIT Realty Eastern Ontario, truly lived before he passed the morning of June 10th, 2025 at the age of 52.
The sound of broken hearts could be heard all over his beloved city of Ottawa, in locker rooms, arenas, and in the homes and businesses of the many clients, colleagues, and friends he had. They broke clear across North America through his EXIT Realty network and echoed into the Canadian Parliament where the Honourable Mona Fortier, M.P. rose in the House of Commons to share how A.J. made Ottawa a better place calling him, “a respected entrepreneur, a community builder, a generous mentor, and a tireless force for good in the national capital region.”
We at EXIT have been so proud and fortunate to have a professional of A.J.’s calibre and influence with us for the past 21 years of his career.
In a heartfelt tribute of her own, EXIT Canadian CEO Joyce Paron spoke of how A.J. shined with his own light, bringing laughter (and his signature sunglasses and dance moves) wherever he went, saying, “You will be deeply missed A.J., and we will carry your spirit with us in all that we do in the days and years ahead. You have left a legacy of love….You demonstrated an extraordinary ability to make time for people, regardless of who they are, because you understood that your presence is the most valuable gift you can offer to another human being.”
A lasting legacy
With a natural talent for people and bringing them together, A.J. excelled in the business of real estate. He had a profound impact on EXIT’s entire national network and found success in his many roles.
Dear friend and franchisee Maggie Tessier of EXIT Realty Matrix said of him, “There will never be another A.J. He was, in every facet of his life, the true G.O.A.T.” It was at her office, and under her mentorship, where A.J. first got his start as an agent, then office manager, before taking on regional ownership, where he worked tirelessly to share the EXIT spirit, which he so aptly exemplified across eastern Ontario.
He maintained that his early real estate success came from learning from one of the best. He was a huge advocate for the importance of being coachable, a key personal ingredient he brought to every arena of his life thanks to his love of sports.
While hockey was his passion as the owner of the Flames de Gatineau in Quebec, he was involved in supporting several youth sports organizations both through coaching and sponsorships. He believed strongly in the character-building experiences found through sport, in teamwork, and in empowering the next generation.
A.J.’s eldest son and daughter both turned real estate into the family business. Francis, following his father’s path, obtained his real estate license and joined the same EXIT Realty Matrix brokerage, while Helenna joined forces with her dad as the regional administrator to assist with the many day-to-day tasks of running the business and communications with the corporate office.
A.J. was loved by many, and he also had many loves in his life, his family, his faith, his community, philanthropy, coaching and sports, as well as real estate. His wife Chantal recently posted of the declaration of A.J. Plant Day on April 23rd by the city of Ottawa, where she and their four children, Francis, Helenna, Emillia, and Quinn attended the occasion with A.J.
She expressed her pride in her husband and his everlasting efforts, sharing a light-hearted laugh explaining, “When I met A.J. in Bonnyville, Alberta, he was part of 10 community groups. I had to join at least six of them so I could enjoy time with him.”
To Chantal and all of A.J.’s family, our hearts are with you, we mourn with you, and we thank you for sharing him with us. A.J. has left an indelible mark.
Melanie Robitaille is a senior staff writer and graphic designer at EXIT Realty Corp. International.
