EXCLUSIVE
A prison guard celebrated his ninth birthday just days before he died suddenly, causing widespread grief from friends and family.
Bodybuilder Dave Cassin, a 56-year-old dad from western Sydney, died just before he and his partner Sharon flew to Bali.
Instead, a heartbroken Sharon had to plan his funeral.
The couple celebrated their anniversary on May 14 with a heart emoji-filled video posted to social media showing 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.”
Cassin was a prison guard at Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Center and competed in bodybuilding competitions with his wife in his spare time.
The cause of his death has not yet been revealed by the family.
He and his wife, Sharon, celebrated their ninth anniversary just days before and were planning to travel to Bali.
Dave Cassin, a 56-year-old father from western Sydney, died suddenly in May just as he and his partner celebrated their ninth anniversary.
The ultra-fit couple often shared loved-up photos behind the scenes of competitions and their strict training regime.
The ultra-fit couple often shared loved-up photos behind the scenes of competitions and their strict training regime.
Following his death, Sharon said in her Instagram post: ‘My heart is broken. I have lost my best friend and my partner for life.’
Cassin has been 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 embodied the kind of punch that everyone enjoyed being around,” reads a tribute posted online.
‘He was loyal to his role as a prison officer. Beyond the uniform, the most important thing was that he was dedicated to his family.
‘His loyalty extended beyond the prison doors; he was the companion who was by your side, rain or shine, sharing stories over a cold beer.
Dozens of friends and colleagues shared stories of his mentorship, guidance and kindness, expressing 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, expressing 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 back here with us,” he said.
Another friend described it 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 photographs and happy memories they have of him for years to come.
‘You were so kind, humble and an all-around great guy. “It’s so sad to know you left this world so early,” one said.
“The world is 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 made my life so much better and richer by being in it. You are without a doubt one of the most genuine and decent guys I have ever met.”
Cassin was fired in a ceremony on June 3.