4 minute read
In Memory of A.J. Plant: Real Estate Loses A Great One
from The Solution Edition
by EXITAchiever
by MELANIE ROBITAILLE, SR. STAFF WRITER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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 his passing 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 Honorable 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’ve been so proud and fortunate to have a professional of A.J.’s caliber and influence with us for the past 21 years of his career. In a heart-felt 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.”
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 nation and found success in his many roles. It was at dear friend and Franchisee, Maggie Tessier’s EXIT Realty Matrix 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.
There will never be another A.J. He was, in every facet of his life, the true G.O.A.T.
—MAGGIE TESSIER, FRANCHISEE
He always maintained his early real estate success came of learning from one of the best. He was a huge advocate for being coachable, a key personal ingredient he brought to every arena of his life thanks to his love of sports. While hockey was his personal 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.
In fact, 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.
A.J. was loved by many, and had many loves in his life. His greatest, his wife, Chantal posted, “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.” It was a lighthearted moment shared on 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; efforts which awarded him EXIT’s Humanitarian Award in 2025. His absence was felt greatly, when this announcement was made posthumously at the Canadian Regional Conference.
To Chantal and all of A.J.’s family, thank you for sharing him with us.
In honor of A.J. please consider giving to the A.J. Plant Commemorative Foundation, a fund dedicated to continuing philanthropic work that was close to A.J.'s heart.
