Photo shared by the Balisky family

By Liam Verster

Balisky Memorial

PrairieCoast Equipment in Grande Prairie to honour family killed in helicopter crash

Jan 7, 2021 | 12:59 PM

PrairieCoast Equipment in Grande Prairie is planning a small tribute for the Balisky family on Friday, January 8.

Wade and Aubrey Balisky, as well as two daughters, Jewel and Fleur, died on New Year’s day when the helicopter they were flying in crashed in Birch Hills County.

READ MORE: Debolt family remembered following New Year’s Day helicopter crash

In honour of the family, PrairieCoast Equipment is planning a small tribute where people can go to pay their respects.

“We’re going to have two combines parked out in front of our gate, and they’ll have some crosses on it for our customers or the public if they want to drive by and pay some respects,” says JD Frame, the General Manager of Prairie Coast Equipment.

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“There will be gators parked outside next to the combines where they can drop flowers or cards or what have you.”

Frame says while they encourage people to pay their respects, he also asks that people obey the COVID-19 guidelines set out by the province, and stay socially distanced and not gather in groups.

Wade Balisky is connected to PrairieCoast Equipment as a shareholder, and the Balisky family has deep roots with the company as they founded Peace Farm Power, the original John Deere Dealer in Grande Prairie.

Frame says the news of the crash was upsetting, and that the four victims will be missed dearly.

There will also be a small memorial for just the staff at the beginning of the day, which will delay the dealership’s opening until 10 a.m.