Canada’s oldest person, Burd Sisler, receives public farewell

Just shy of his 111th birthday, Burd Sisler drew a steady line of mourners to Benner Funeral Services, where a visitation for Canada’s oldest person brought residents, officials and uniformed services together on Wednesday following his death April 2 at age 110.

Sisler, born in Akron, Ohio in 1915, moved to Canada as a child, served in the Second World War and spent about 30 years working at the Peace Bridge. He remained active with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 and local events into his later years, becoming a familiar presence across Fort Erie.

Attendance at the visitation extended beyond family and close friends, with members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canada Border Services Agency and local firefighters arriving alongside elected officials including MPP Wayne Gates.

Darren Flagg, manager of Benner Funeral Services and Ward 3 councillor, told Fort Erie Radio preparations accounted for a larger and more varied turnout than a typical service.

“I’m honoured any time that I assist families, but certainly when it’s someone of public note, it impacts you a little bit more and makes you appreciate what this generation has done,” Flagg said.

The approach addressed interest from residents who had followed Sisler’s story through local coverage and public appearances, including his widely attended 110th birthday celebration last year.

“We feel that there’s going to be a number of community members that will come that may not know the Sisler family, just have read about him and want to pay their respects,” he said.

The scale of attendance continued through the evening, with steady arrivals from across the region approaching Sisler’s casket to say last respects.

The service hall was decorated with flowers donated by friends and community members, along with photos and news clippings of Sisler as a tribute to his long and recognized life.

“He was willing to be who he was, and the family has done a great job of sharing him with us,” Flagg said.

Outside the funeral home, public signs of recognition appeared across town.

Flags at Fort Erie town hall were lowered to half-staff during the funeral period, and a mural installed on the exterior of Billyard Insurance Group at the corner of Garrison Road and Benner Avenue added a visible tribute to Sisler for people coming to the service.

Funeral services are scheduled to continue Thursday morning at Benner Funeral Services, followed by interment at McAffee Cemetery.

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