EXCLUSIVE
A prison guard celebrated his ninth birthday just days before he died suddenly, sparking an outpouring of grief from friends and family.
Bodybuilder Dave Cassin, a 56-year-old father from Sydney’s west, died just before he and partner Sharon were due to fly to Bali.
Instead, a heartbroken Sharon had to plan his funeral.
The couple celebrated their anniversary on May 14, with a video littered with heart emojis posted to social media and featuring photos of the couple together.
But just five days later, Sharon shared the news of his death in her next post, adding, “I’m lost without you.”
Mr Cassin was a prison guard at Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Facility and competed in bodybuilding competitions with his wife in his spare time.
His cause of death has not yet been released by the family.
He and his wife Sharon celebrated their ninth anniversary a few days earlier and were due to travel to Bali
Dave Cassin, a 56-year-old father from Sydney’s west, died suddenly in May, just as he and his partner were celebrating their ninth anniversary
The ultra-fit couple often shared loving behind-the-scenes photos of competitions and their rigorous training regimen
The ultra-fit couple often shared loving behind-the-scenes photos of competitions and their rigorous training regimen.
After his death, Sharon said in her Instagram post: “My heart is broken. I have lost my best friend and my partner for life.’
Mr. Cassin is remembered as “an officer who touched everyone he met.”
‘[He was] an imposing figure who was highly respected by everyone. He was more than a serial number; he epitomized the kind of knockout that everyone loved to be around,” read a tribute to him posted online.
“He was loyal to his role as a correctional officer. Beyond the uniform, he was especially devoted to his family.
“His loyalty extended beyond the prison gates; he was the buddy who stood by you, rain or shine, and shared stories while enjoying a cold beer.’
Dozens of friends and colleagues shared stories of his mentorship, guidance and kindness, and expressed their shock at his tragic death
After his death, Sharon said in an Instagram post: “My heart is broken. I have lost my best friend and my partner for life’
Dozens of friends and colleagues shared stories of his mentorship, guidance and kindness, and expressed their shock at his tragic death.
One of his two daughters described him as “the strongest man… with the biggest heart.”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t give to have you here with us again,” she said.
Another friend described him as a “bloody legend.” Great man, great sense of humor and just a great Australian guy.”
Friends of Mr Cassin have been encouraged to share photos and happy memories they have of him in the years to come.
‘You were so kind, humble and a great guy. Very sad to hear that you left this world so early,” one said.
“The world has been a little darker since you left us,” another added. “The world is a little sadder since you left us. The world is definitely a little more boring since you left us.
“You brought so much love and laughter into our lives.”
A third wrote: ‘You have made my life so much better and richer for being a part of it. You are without a doubt one of the most genuine, decent guys I have ever met in all my days.”
Mr. Cassin was said goodbye during a ceremony on June 3.