Burdett Sisler, recognized as Canada’s oldest World War II veteran, has passed away at the impressive age of 110. His family confirmed that he died of natural causes on April 2, 2023, just two weeks shy of his 111th birthday. Reportedly, the news of his passing was first covered by CHCH News in Hamilton.

Wayne Gates, the NDP Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls, paid tribute to Sisler through a heartfelt Facebook post. He highlighted Sisler's proud service to the country during World War II, his 30 years of employment with the Canada Border Services Agency, and his life in Fort Erie, where he raised a family. Gates referred to Sisler as “an incredible person” and shared fond memories, including the honor of having Sisler nominate him in past elections and awarding him the King Charles Coronation medal at his 110th birthday celebration.

In recollecting their relationship, Gates remarked how much he would miss Sisler’s wisdom, laughter, and the cherished time they spent together. Gates emphasized that Canada has lost “an incredibly special person, and a good man.”

Burdett Sisler was born in Akron, Ohio, and at the age of three, he relocated to the Toronto area. He met his future wife, Mae, through a high school connection, and they married in 1939, just three days following Britain's declaration of war on Germany.

In 1943, Sisler enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army, despite his wife fearing he wouldn’t return. To keep her connection to him while he was away, Mae requested that they have a child, resulting in the birth of their daughter in that same year, as shared by their son Norman in a 2025 interview.

Sisler initially desired to join the Royal Canadian Air Force but was turned away due to having “one bad eye.” Consequently, he enlisted in the army and volunteered for chemical warfare trials in Ottawa while awaiting basic training. These trials involved exposure to chemical agents, which caused chronic health issues for many soldiers. Sisler recounted one test where he was subjected to mustard gas and placed salve on his skin for 14 days, resulting in a pay raise after the experiment.

Years later, Sisler participated in a class-action lawsuit against the Department of National Defence and received a settlement for the health complications stemming from these trials. He underwent training to become a military gunner in Nova Scotia and later received radar training in Barriefield, Ontario, where he developed skills as a telecommunications mechanic. In 1945, Sisler was assigned to the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers and achieved the rank of sergeant. However, the war concluded before he had the opportunity to engage in combat overseas.

After serving until 1947, Sisler returned to civilian life and was employed by the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps near Montreal, where he inspected war equipment being returned from Europe for a duration of 13 months before his discharge due to demobilization. He eventually settled in Fort Erie with his young family and began his career as a customs agent with the Department of National Revenue at the Peace Bridge border crossing.

Outside of his professional life, Sisler also had a passion for music, singing in a barbershop quartet during the 1960s, and collaborated with a friend to run a television and radio repair business.

Burdett Sisler is survived by a large family, including 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service is scheduled for April 9, 2023, in Fort Erie, allowing family and friends to pay their respects.