Arnold Sylliboy

It is with great sadness that we announce Arnold Sylliboy Sr.'s (O'qatnukewey Muin - Northern Bear, Bear Clan) sudden passing at his home on February 22, 2025, at the age of 43. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Born in Sydney, he was the son of Vera Sylliboy, of Eskasoni, and the late Reggie Sylliboy Sr.

Arnold is survived by his loving fiancée Nina Kent, his children Arnold Jr., Evan, Arlo, and Arley; he will be greatly missed by his two sisters, Jeannine (Justin) Denny, Mallery (Blair) Denny, of Eskasoni; brother Reggie Jr. (Dominique) Sylliboy, of Gatineau; nieces, Yvette, Dionne (Joe), and Justyne and nephews Jonah and Drais; and his great grandnephew Niklas; godparents Michael and the late Judy Johnson; his godchildren Bianca Morris, Clifford Jr. Cremo, and Thor Marshall-Pierro. Along with other loving family, extended cousins, and friends, too many to mention. He is predeceased by his brother Eric Sylliboy.

Arnold graduated from Eskasoni High School, NBCC barbering school, and was a licensed barber. He dabbled in many careers and held many roles and titles throughout his life. He worked in Mental Health for many years, most recently as the right-hand man to Jaime Battiste, MP for Sydney-Victoria; Arnold was also president of the Sydney-Glace Bay Liberal riding association.

Arnold was born at 8lbs 10 oz, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on March 18, 1981, and grew up in Eskasoni, NS, where he raised his two oldest sons. He then moved to Sydney in 2018 with his fiancee to raise their two youngest sons. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in taking care of his family. It was Arnold’s dream to one day move back to his home community, Eskasoni, to raise his family.

Arnold was a natural athlete and was actively involved in his community supporting events, always cheering and encouraging others, a true role model who had a great positive impact on others. Arnold had this ability to bring laughter and happiness to anyone he crossed paths with, he was always so welcoming, with his charm, humour, and words of comfort. He was always so very considerate and put others' needs before his own. He loved to be there for his family and friends.

Visitation for Arnold will take place after 7 p.m. at his mother’s home, 29 Beacon Hill Cres., Eskasoni, Sunday, March 2nd until the funeral mass which will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 with interment to follow in the parish cemetery. Salite to take place at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre in Eskasoni.

Pall Bearers will be Jaime Battiste, Reggie Jr. Sylliboy, Evan Sylliboy, Justin Denny, Blair Denny, Leroy Denny, Pete Stevens, and Liam Kent.

Honorary Pall Bearers are Patrick Kent, Scott McDonald, Arnold Jij Sylliboy, Matthew Ryan (MR) Gould, Brad Paul, Levi Denny, Fred Sylliboy, Danny Denny, Trevor Denny, Keir Sylliboy, John Denny Sylliboy, Merle Marshall, Eldon Gould, Shayne Stevens, Clifford Cremo, Thomas Denny, Jeremy Johnson, Donald Francis, Rielly Googoo, and Jacob Gale.