Obituaries

Bob Balisky

August 21, 1940 - October 17, 2016

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Obituary For Bob Balisky

Bob Balisky, resident of Goodwin, Alberta, passed into eternity on Monday, October 17, 2016, at the age of 76.

Bob was the ninth of ten children born to George and Nellie Balisky. He grew up on the Emerson Trail, attended Canuck country school and then high school at Peace River Bible Institute. He graduated from Olds College in 1960 and married Ruth Peters on July 14, 1962.

Bob, with Ruth and several brothers, homesteaded the Goodwin area in 1964. He and his youngest brother, Terry, farmed together for 40 years along the Emerson Trail and then worked together in other business ventures. During some of the homesteading years, in order to support their dream of farming, Bob and Ruth lived in Arizona, working on John Wayne’s Ranch, among other jobs. In the Grande Prairie area, Bob has been involved in fertilizer business, Intercoast, Countryside Motorsports, and most recently, Bar 71 Aviation and Prairie Coast Equipment. He loved his community and served on the AG Service Board, Appeal Board, Western Forage Beef Group, AB Cattle Commission and Canadian Cattle Commission.

A keen outdoorsman with a love for God’s creation, he was always looking for the next thrill either on horseback or in the air. He was an avid horseman, hunter and lover of everything campfire. In his later years, he took his ranching skills to the ring and found his love for competitive team-penning and cattle-sorting, much of which he did during his Arizona winters.

In 1978 he earned his Commercial fixed-wing Pilot’s License and spent many years crop-dusting. This past winter, he added Helicopter Pilot to his resume.

He had a great love for kids and a heart for youth. Much of this passion was expressed through the Annual Rodeo hosted on the Balisky Bar-71 ranch for the support of Peace Country Wilderness Camps. He had a unique way with people, making everyone feel valued, and he welcomed one and all into his life. The coffee was always on. He was a master delegator and could turn the most mundane jobs into a party.

A devout Christian, Bob was a contributing member and leader in the Bezanson Community Church. He also served on the Board of Peace River Bible Institute for many years. His life was a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Bob will be ever missed by his loving wife Ruth and their children: Lois (Tim) Toews, Celeste (Dale) Emerson, Susan (Terry) Emerson and Wade (Aubrey) Balisky. Thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild follow in his steps.

He was predeceased by three siblings: Ralph (Jean), Kathleen (Mark) Landis, and Calvin (Barbara).

Remaining are two sisters and four brothers: Ruth (George) Foxall, Eileen (Bill) McLellan, Larry (Lorraine), Dan (Joyce), Paul (Lila), and Terry (Marcia).

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00am, at Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502 102 St.).

Memorial donations may be made to Peace River Bible Institute (Box 99, Sexsmith, AB, T0H 3C0), Peace Country Wilderness Camps (711038 B RR 52, County of Grande Prairie #1, AB, T8W 5A2), or to Burden Bearers Counseling Centre (10005-97 A St. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2C2).

Services

21 Oct

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Grande Prairie Alliance Church , Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 24, 2021

    Heartfelt sympathy to you all

  • June 24, 2021

    Bob was a happy man and loved life, he always had a smile and a greeting for you, and loved to play jokes, and he like to have a cup of coffee after a ride or just to set around and visit with all of us at the barn. I will miss seeing him around ever winter at Kips and Susan place. Ruth My deepest most heart felt condolences go out to you, I can only hope and pray that you can find peace and comfort, knowing that he is with the Lord, and that he was loved by many.

  • June 24, 2021

    Hi Lois, So sorry to hear about your Dad!! Your Father was a very respected man in the community and with our family! I have wonderful memories of my life back in Lake Goodwin and your family played a big part of that!! Take Care! Vicky Skillman (Kathan)

  • June 24, 2021

    We send our thoughts and prayers to you at this time. We sure enjoyed being with Bob and his family at the horse outings and Appenzeller gatherings, he brought us many great stories and memories that will be cherished.

  • June 24, 2021

    Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that Bob touched the lives and hearts of so many others, and gave them the gift of many happy memories. - Twyla, John, Amanda & Savannah Eaton, Mesa, AZ

  • June 24, 2021

    I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Bob's tragic passing! Bob was one of my best friends back in our PRBI days; always kind, considerate and courteous. Since our school days, I have been able to follow Bob's impressive successes and accomplishments through family and friends. I have also had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bob on a number of occasions over the years. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Bob's wife Ruth and her entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I trust that the knowledge that Bob is now in the presence of the Lord and that you will see him again, will be a comfort to you during this difficult time. We are praying for you. LeRoy (Jeannette) Larson

  • June 24, 2021

    We are very sad to hear of Bobs passing, and would like to offer our condolences to his family.

  • June 24, 2021

    God Bless you all so sorry for your loss!

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Ruth. I was so sad to hear about Bob. He was such a wonderful friend to Susan, Kip, Wesley and Colton...they all loved him so much, such a warm,generous and kind man. I will miss him when I travel to AZ, and I know they are all heartbroken. My heart aches for you and your family, and I send my sympathy and love to all of you. Love, Alice

  • June 24, 2021

    Hello Dan and Joyce. I did not have the pleasure of meeting your brother Dan, but in knowing some of your's and Joyce's family members and how close all of you are to each other, and of course to God, I'm sure your brother was as wonderful as you!! Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Brother , and find solace in the fact he has gone home to our Lord 🙂 Sincerely Wendy Doucet

  • June 24, 2021

    So sad to hear about Bob he will truly be missed such a warm and humble man. always willing to help in any way that he could. Hugs to all Ken and Sheryl

  • June 24, 2021

    We were shocked to hear the news Monday. Uncle Bob was someone we remember so fondly and he always seemed to be larger than life. Words cannot express near enough but please know we have, and will continue to have, you all in our thoughts and prayers! Our deepest sympathies! Hold your memories close; they will never leave you. All our love! Rob & Deb

  • June 24, 2021

    My sincerest condolences to all of the Balisky Families. I recall Bob painting the Canuk school with my husband Don along with Paul and Dan.

  • June 24, 2021

    It has been some time since I have seen Bob or Ruth, but I really enjoyed our trail ride at San Tan Regional Park and I remember dinner at the Stockyards in Phoenix, AZ with him, Ruth and a good friend Stuart Morison. Bob was such a force of life you couldn't help but have fun when he was there. He will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for letting me share. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  • June 24, 2021

    So very sorry for your loss. Wish we could have attended the memorial but are on the road home from elsewhere. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort at this time.

  • June 24, 2021

    So very sorry to hear of Bob's tragic accident. I very much enjoyed talking with Bob whenever we met. He was a positive thinking person in every respect and was always considerate of others. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers of strength go out to all the Balisky family at this sad time.

  • June 24, 2021

    Hello Ruth, Irma and i are grieving with you and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. We have such great memories of our visits at your Ranch and the rodeos. Uncle Bob and you have always been kind to us and our family so we heart broken with the news of Bob's passing. We love you and will keep you and family in our prayers. Gob bless Ken and Irma, Jon and Felicia, Steve and Nicole

  • June 24, 2021

    Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all of you, at the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, sibling and uncle. My heart was saddened, at the news of Bob's passing. I'm reminded that ''to be absent from the body, is to be present, with the Lord. ...such a wonderful Hope, we have. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I'm unable to attend Bob's memorial service, It's been a few years, since I last saw Bob. I do remember him as a man who lived his life, with Godly principles. I pray that each and every one of you will know, God's peace and comfort, at your point of need, now and in the time ahead.

  • June 24, 2021

    My Deepest condolences on the loss of Bob. I loved him and always looked forward to spending time with Bob in and out of the sorting ring.

  • June 24, 2021

    The world lost a great man and friend on monday. My deepest thoughts and prayers you out to Ruth and family. I always looked forward to seeing Bob in the winters and you couldn't help but be happy in his presence, it was contagious. I feel fortunate to have memories with him and always loved his advice on whatever i was working on at kips. God speed amigo Bob!

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Ruth and family: My sincere condolences to you. Bob was a special person and had a smile for everyone. He will be missed. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

  • June 24, 2021

    My Prayers and Thoughts are with you all. There are no words to express the terrible pain, the loss of such a truly great man. I can not believe the adventure has ended, much much too soon... we were just getting started. Every second of every day was an opportunity for Bob to make a plan â?? a plan to live life to the fullest â?? luckily I became part of his world of plans and I will always be truly thankful for that. The world and my heart will never be the same, I miss him so much. All my Love and Hugs to you Ruth, the Balisky family and of course to Bob. Keep making those plans...

  • June 24, 2021

    My husband (Dave) and I have had the great pleasure to get to know Bob during his winter stays in Arizona. Bob was one of the greatest men I have known. His heart was amazingly big and his love of life was clear. We will miss him dearly and will always treasure the times we have shared. We were deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences.

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Ruth and Family; We are so sad to hear of Bob's passing. Bob touched us in a way that we will remember always. He was the kindest man we ever knew. His heart was always behind his efforts and never sought recognition. He was exciting to be around and we never knew what to expect. His laughter was infatuating and always present. He taught us so much, from handling horses to how to enjoy the most out of life. At times, he was hard to go places with, since he invariably stopped to talk to someone, particularly people he didn't know. We have learned from Bob, that there is a kinder gentler way to approach life and will miss him so much. Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Thankyou to the nieces and nephews for putting together such a lovely tribute as well.. Brent and Yvonne Harris

  • June 24, 2021

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Bob was one of the nicest people that I have ever met and his smile was one in a million. He also would come up to me and talk to me about my horses and how well they have come along. He love to compete and you would see him at pretty much every event here in the greater Phoenix area all winter. He will be missed so much this winter in Arizona. RIP my friend.

  • June 24, 2021

    My deepest sympathy Ruth to you & your family At first meeting of Bob & later you -you both left a lasting impression on me-fun times down at the barn-riding in the desert-breakfasts after riding-we even went to a ball game in spring training-and then being invited to your place for dinner with Stuart & many of your friends-I Really feel blessed to have met you both- May God be with you at this difficult time PS I have a picture of Bob standing beside the little John Deere tractor in your front entry way of your Arizona home-I could text it to you sometime

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Ruth: Carol, Alison, Heather and her husband Glenn Penner send our deepest sympathy. How we remember your contributions to the rodeo for IVCF and the tremendous encouragement Bob was to our work and witness. With you at his side he has changed two generations of youth for Christ. Please accept our love, hugs and prayers.

  • June 24, 2021

    During my time at Peace Farm Power I was welcomed by the extended Balisky family and I remember coming out to your farm once. Bob was so welcoming as were you and any time I saw him over the years that I lived with the Sawchuks he was a blessing. I was sorry to hear of his sudden death and pray for God's comfort for you and your family. Janice McKnight (nee Welsh)

  • June 24, 2021

    The White and Edgar families convey to each one of you our most sincere sympathy. What a huge loss to your family, many friends and the communities in which Bob was such a big part of. Our love and prayers go out to everyone who was touched by Bob's kindness, care and compassion.

  • June 24, 2021

    Bob left the world a better place in every way! That's success! His life will keep on giving. We loved him and we love you Ruth.

  • June 24, 2021

    Sending prayers and sympathy to the Balisky family. Many fond memories of Bob from our early years at Canuck.

  • June 24, 2021

    Your warm smile and open arms will be missed. So glad to have had the chance to know you, "Canadian Bob". Rest in Peace . Rob and Lee-Anne Rook,

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Ruth and Family, We share your sorrow in the untimely passing of husband, father and grandfather to your family. As many will no doubt provide testimony, Bob was friend to all he met and went out of his way to make you feel that you were welcome and an important member of his circle of friends. Horses played an significant role in our activities while in Arizona and those of us who participated in these activities came to know a generous and compassionate man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be remembered by not only us but by the many friends he made. Bob will be missed.

  • June 24, 2021

    We send our deepest sympathy and love to you and your family at this time. Bob was such a great man and friend and we will miss him terribly. We have shared many stories about Bob over the past few days and have shed many tears but more importantly many smiles and laughter when recounting his antics- that was a true gift he had- bringing happiness and the enjoyment of life to everyone he touched. He will forever be in our hearts and we feel very blessed to have had him in our lives. We send our love, prayers, thoughts and far away hugs. Much Love, the Appenzeller Family

  • June 24, 2021

    I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He will be dearly missed by his family, his siblings, and extended family. God bless all of you at this sad time. Remember that God is there whenever you need him.

  • June 24, 2021

    Our Family knew Bob for Many years. Although I have moved from the area I always remembered Bob and remember thinking he was so cool when I was a kid when I seen him flying around in his plane. He will be missed

  • June 24, 2021

    Please accept my condolences on the loss of a close family member to you all. It seems so unfair that he has been called home - at to me, a young age. May you know that he will be missed by all who knew him, and may you find peace in knowing that you will see him again. Blessings, Eleanor

  • June 24, 2021

    I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. As a young rep with Monsanto in 1986 the Balisky Family warmly welcomed me into this new world of Agriculture. And through it all I had many fond professional and personal memories with both Bob and Terry. From the development of aerial Roundup registration to preharvest Roundup label to rodeo's on the farm that we got involved with. Bob was an encourager and impacted many people whether on a personal basis or in promotion of modern Agriculture. Please accept my condolences. I am in Winnipeg this week and cannot attend the funeral but dearly wish I could. One funny story...he told me one day how he will be waking up Grande Prairie tomorrow morning...and he did...as he flew is AgCat over Bear Creek Ravine in GP spraying BT for caterpillars at 5 AM...it was so good to hear that plane! I will miss Bob. Daren Carlson

  • June 24, 2021

    Bob was always happy and a very kind,.....he always remembered your name and said hi.....my condolences to the family.....paul ebbs

  • June 24, 2021

    The obituary summed it up beautifully. He always had time for the tall to small. He was a genuine and humble man who made time for everyone. He was a great teammate and did not like attention. If given the chance he would gladly tell people that it was because of his teammates that he did well. I asked him once how many cattle he had, he just looked at me and laughed it off, "lets just say I have a few" and then he proceeded to change the subject and asked about my family. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers to the family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Even though I have never really kept in touch with Bob other than bumping into him at the odd auction sale or where ever for so many years, I feel as though I have lost a close friend. I've known Bob and the family from back in our roping and rodeo days. Bob even flew us to Fort Nelson rodeo in his plane at one time when I was just a youngster, that made me feel pretty special. One of the good guys in deed. My thoughts are truly with all of Bobs family and close friends.

  • June 24, 2021

    Our Prayers and thought are with All the Balisky' Family From the Chugg's

  • June 24, 2021

    It is with a heavy heart that I heard of Uncle Bob's passing. He had influenced me in many ways with his humor and wit and also the kind guidance at Camp Evergreen. I will miss him greatly. I pray for courage and comfort for you, My cousins and all of your family

  • June 24, 2021

    Lois andTim and Family We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. We are praying for all of you as you walk this journey of grief together. God be with you. Condolences from Wayne and Merilie O'Connell

  • June 24, 2021

    God Bless your Family. Very sad to hear this news.

  • June 24, 2021

    Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our prayers and love are with you at this time. Our memories of Bob are those of a good friend a gentle man with a gracious spirit . May the peace of God be with you .

  • June 24, 2021

    It is with such a heavy heart I write to you. You Ruth & Bob made such an impact on my life, it was such a privilege that I was able to spend time with you,and your family who made an impact on my choice to walk towards the cross of Christ & not away. With so many awful, judgmental and hateful people I incounter in my younger years, you & Bob made me feel welcome & accepted. When I lost my brother & mom so many years ago you called the hospital to see how I was doing...thank you. I praise the Lord that you & Bob were for me Jesus with skin on...No words will ever be adequate...I am so very sorry for your incredible loss...with Love Marianne Peacock.

  • June 24, 2021

    We are so sorry to hear that Bob has passed away Ruth. Please know that we are thinking of you and the family and holding you all up in prayer. May the Lord comfort you and place His loving arms around you . Bob was such an inspiration to us and our family and it was a privilege to know him. He will be missed by many. It's so hard to believe that his time on earth is over but such a blessing to know that we will see him again in heaven. We are also so sorry that we can't come to his funeral...we are in California for a memorial service as well for Tara's fiancé's brother. We love you Ruth and pray for comfort and strength during this difficult time and the days ahead as you adjust to life here without Bob. God is good and he will be with you always. Love Nancy and Jerry

  • June 24, 2021

    We are truly sorry to hear of your loss. Our most heartfelt condolences to you Ruth and your Family. We will remember Bob's wonderful & gentle soul. May he rest in peace. Alex and Annamaria

  • June 24, 2021

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Bob as being so kind and making time to visit.

  • June 24, 2021

    We want to express our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time!

  • June 24, 2021

    Our heart felt sympathy in the sudden loss of husband and father and gramps. He will be greatly missed. May u find comfort in knowing we care. Got Blss.

  • June 24, 2021

    My memories of Bob were that he always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting when ever I met him. His love for the Lord was demonstrated in his generosity to sponsor events that brought the love of God to people in a tangible way.. Bob was a very successful business man but very modest about his achievements. Our condolences to all the Baliski connection but especially to his wife Ruth. And our dear friends Tim and Lois Toews. May these words of scripture give you comfort at the time: Isaiah 43: 1-3

  • June 24, 2021

    HUGE respect and a whole lot of love for this man and his entire family. Thank you for being you Uncle Bob. We will miss you and cherish many great memories and the kindness and love that you and Auntie Ruth, Lois, Susan, Celeste, and Wade have showed our family. God called home a Hero. I imagine a wonderful reunion with your parents, your brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, and our sweet angel Kristin... It hurts to let go, but we do so with much love and honor.

  • June 24, 2021

    Words are never sufficient. Know we are grieving with you and lifting you before the Father. We love you!

  • June 24, 2021

    I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Bob on two occasions. Once in Calgary at a Team Penning (of course!) and once in Arizona at mutual friends. Although I did not know him well, these fleeting moments left a lasting impression. Every word of the obituary rings true to the man I met on those two occasions. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Ruth, and family we cannot express how sorry we are to hear of Bob's untimely death. He was a friend, a proud husband, dad and grandfather. He so enjoyed visiting with people and sharing a little of his story and walk with Jesus.He will leave such a hole in your family but how fortunate we all are knowing that someday we will all be joined together once again sharing our love for one another in our heavenly home.

  • June 24, 2021

    Bob always was a huge part of all of our lives. Although he has only been in my life for three years I feel as though I have known him my entire life. Bob was always full of pranks which he played on me often at the ranch where we boarded our horses in Arizona. I will miss him very much. Bob was always the one to put together a gathering whether it was riding our horses out on a trail or a breakfast or sometimes lunch. He would gather everyone up and say, "Come on, we're all going to breakfast". Bob loved his biscuits and gravy with catsup on it. The winters here in Arizona will never be quite the same without seeing Bob. My heart and my tears are with the family. Linda Smith, Arizona

  • June 24, 2021

    Bob's passing really shook me. A loss of a truly exemplary Christ-like man. To all the family thank you for being there when my brother died and I thank our Lord for all of you.

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