Obituary of Sylvio CAISSIE

May 18, 1966 – Hearst, Ontario
February 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Sylvio Caissie, who passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February, 22, 2021 at the age of 54 after a two year battle with mesothelioma. 

Sylvio was born in Hearst, ON, and lived most of his life in and around Opasatika, ON. He worked for De Beers Diamond Mine for thirteen years as a meticulous excavator operator, where he met his spouse Abagail. When the mine closed, he moved out west to go work in the oil sands of Alberta. 

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February, 2019, a horrible disease he fought with the courage of ten lions, outliving the doctor’s prognosis by nineteen months with his loving spouse and caregiver by his side every moment.

Sylvio loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and purchased many in his lifetime, but he was particularly fond of his last one, a ’97 Heritage Springer Classic that he put over 5000 kilometers on last summer, exploring the mountain tops, valleys, and twisty roads of BC.

His most memorable trip was when his brother Steven and his wife Annie came out west with their bikes. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to ride with them and show them the three hundred curves in the 90 kilometer run from Creston, BC, to the Balfour ferry; and all along Moyie Lake where he spent most of his time.

Sylvio comes from a very musical family, and taught himself to play the guitar, and played it with such joy and passion. Some of his most favourite times were playing with family in the garage, or jammin’ with Mom and Dad and Abagail till the early morning hours. He carried so many wonderful memories of those times and spoke of them often. He loved old country music and was a dedicated fan of Merle Haggard. 

He had one son, Jamie Caissie, with Sylvianne Bernard, and an adorable grandson, Damien Caissie, whom he loved dearly and was very proud of.

Gone is a gentle soul, an honest and honorable man, who loved his family and truly lived to ride. 

The ripples from his life and the music he beautifully played linger on. He was such an inspiration to many, and had such a tremendous impact on everyone who met and truly loved him. He will be remembered for his kind soul, his quick wit, and numerous amazing talents.

Sylvio will be sadly missed by his devoted spouse, Abagail, his loving parents, Gilberte and Leo Caissie of Opasatika, ON; his son Jamie Caissie (Tracy Caissie) of Kapuskasing, ON, grandson Damien Caissie of Kapuskasing, ON; stepson Michael Cooperwhite (Victoria Cooperwhite) of Brampton, ON, step-grandchildren Jackson and Paton of Brampton, ON; brothers, Steven Caissie (Annie Caissie) of Hardy, ON, Daniel Caissie (Marie Josée St. Pierre) of Opasatika, ON, Michel Caissie (Lena Lamontagne) of Hearst, ON; his twin sister Sylvie Bernard (Lorice Bernard) of Kapuskasing, ON, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sylvio’s spirit has gone back to God who gave it, and his body is being honored at McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home in the city of Calgary, AB, where he passed away until the cemetery can lay him to rest in his hometown of Opasatika, ON, in May 2021. There will be a Graveside Service at that time.

You meant so much to all of us
You were special and that’s no lie
You brightened up the darkest day
And the cloudiest sky

Your smile alone warmed hearts
Your laugh was like music to hear
I would give absolutely anything
To have you well and standing near

Not a second passes
When you’re not on our minds
Your love we will never forget
The hurt will ease in time

Many tears I have seen and cried
They have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now
And no longer in any pain

In living memory of Sylvio Caissie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.