Christine Whelan, FEO, April 3, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 15

Burdett Thomas Sisler is days away from celebrating another birthday.

On Sunday, April 13, friends and family are invited to attend this special occasion. Doors will open at the Fort Erie Legion Branch 71 at 1:00 pm. The guest of honour will make his grand entrance at 1:30. Peter Cotton will be piping him in upon arrival.

Tim Hortons will be supplying donuts and coffee.

Norm Sisler, Burd’s son, said, “We’ll make about 100 sandwiches. We are unsure how many will attend.

When asked if he was looking forward to his party, Burd informed, “I have waited five years for this.”

Norm explained that when his dad was 105 years old, he told Norm that he would make it another five years, to 110. It became is goal.

When asked how he feels about being the oldest man in Canada, Burd answered lightheartedly, “That’s not hard to do. All I gotta do is stay alive.”

I asked him what his trick was. “I’ve never stayed in one place for too long,” he said. Moved around quite a bit. I have always found work and always had some kind of job. I kept going.”

While he kept himself moving, he still managed to work for the Canada Border Services Agency for 30 years and lived through two pandemics.

Burd is a World War II veteran and is a member of the Fort Erie Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71.

His grandson, Matt Sisler, posted on Facebook in February, “Recently my grandfather, Burdett Thomas Sisler, became the oldest living male in Canada. He is also believed to be the oldest living World War II veteran in Canada and the 6th oldest World War II veteran in the world. Every day, my family is privileged and grateful for each moment we have with him. Our minds are truly blown that he has achieved such a milestone.”

Burd now resides at Garrison Place in Fort Erie and has five children, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

So, mark it on your calendar. Burd Sisler is turning 110 years old! And he would like you to join him. Please come out and wish the oldest man in Canada a Happy Birthday on Sunday, April 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Fort Erie Legion Branch 71, 130 Garrison Road.