Supercentenarian

Norman Sisler, second from left, was among those at his dad’s birthday party. (Submitted by Norm Sisler)

Burdett “Burd” Sisler (born 14 April 1915) is an American-born Canadian supercentenarian who is currently the oldest known living person in Canada, as well as one of the oldest living World War II veterans in the world. . He had five children with his wife Mae, who passed away in 1985. As of 2022, he has nine grandchildren, eleven great-children, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

His age is validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and LongeviQuest (LQ).

Burdett Sisler was born in Akron, Ohio, USA, on 14 April 1915, and moved to Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada when he was three years old. Burdett Thomas Sisler is an American-born Canadian supercentenarian who is currently the oldest known living man in Canada. Burdett Sisler came to Canada at the age of three and settled in what is now known as Etobicoke. He grew up there and fondly remembered playing softball with his friends. Sisler was 18 when his father died and his mother died when he was 61.

Sisler served in the Second World War. He first joined the armed forces in 1943, serving with the Legion Horse Artillery before transferring to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers unit, from which he was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, he worked with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Peace Bridge, dedicating nearly 30 years to the role.

He and his family moved to Fort Erie in 1947. At the time, it was just the three of them—his wife, their daughter, and himself. They went on to have four more children in the years that followed. His five children were: Norm, Betti, Sharon, Lorraine, and Burdett. His wife Mae passed away in 1985.Even at the age of 100, he remained active in the community, participating in various clubs and serving as treasurer for both the Dandelion Group and the Harmony Hill Group. He continued driving until the age of 99, having first taken the wheel in 1936.

When asked to share his greatest piece of advice, he said, “Don’t take life too seriously, and don’t stress yourself out. Roll with the punches is what I say.” He has never been in a hospital. Not even born in a hospital. Until early 2020, he was hospitalized with pneumonia but was released in March.

He drove until the age of 99 and lived in his own home until the age of 106.

When asked on his 100th birthday to share his biggest piece of advice, he said, “Don’t take life too seriously, and don’t stress yourself out. Roll with the punches is what I say.” In early 2020, he was hospitalized for pneumonia, and was released in March.

On his 105th birthday, a drive-by parade was held in front of his home to celebrate the occasion. At the time of his 110th birthday, he had 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Shortly before his 109th birthday, he viewed the total solar eclipse that occurred on 8 April 2024. On 12 February 2025, following the death of 109-year-old Albert Middleton, Sisler became the oldest known living man in Canada.

He’s 110 and Still Cracking Jokes: Burdett Sisler Celebrates Milestone Birthday Near Niagara Falls – 107.9 RGV FM

On 14 April 2025, Sisler celebrated his 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.

RECOGNITIONOn 12 February 2025, following the passing of 109-year-old Albert Middleton, he became the oldest living man in Canada, at the age of 109 years, 304 days.His age was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 22 April 2025.

ATTRIBUTION* “Fort Erie’s Burd Sisler marks 100 years” – Niagara This Week, 16 April 2015* “Remembrance Day brings 107-year-old veteran and great-grandson closer together” – CBC, 11

“Fort Erie celebrates Canada’s oldest man Burd Sisler on 110th birthday” – 13 April 2025 110-year-old Fort Erie, Ont., man says to treat others as you’d like to be treated | CBC News

On April 11, about 250 people gathered at the Fort Erie Legion for a birthday party for Burdett. Among them were about 60 family members and politicians including Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, Ontario Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho and MPP Wayne Gates.

Norman said an honour guard played bagpipes as he and Burdett came in. Later, guests sang Happy Birthday and Burdett blew out the candles on a cake. “I never thought I’d see such a large crowd to see one person,” Burdett said. “It was awesome.”

On 31 December 2025, following the death of 111-year-old Berthe Courtemanche, Sisler became the oldest known living person in Canada. Burdett Sisler currently lives in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 110 years, 281 days.

Supercentenarian Secrets to Living – Search
The secrets to living a long and fulfilling life as a supercentenarian include a combination of lifestyle choices, genetic factors, and a proactive approach to health.

Here are some key insights:

Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is crucial for maintaining energy and overall health.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility, contributing to a longer and healthier life.

Stress Management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques and positive thinking can help maintain a healthy body and mind.

Social Connections: Maintaining strong social bonds and engaging in community activities fosters emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Genetic Factors: Some supercentenarians may have unique genetic profiles that contribute to their longevity, such as immune system resilience and protein maintenance.

These habits, along with a proactive approach to health and a positive mindset, can help supercentenarians live to their full potential and enjoy their golden years.

Source: Burdett Sisler | Gerontology Wiki | Fandom