John Balsiger, who was NBAA’s first regional representative in the U.S. Midwest, passed away on August 11 in Oklahoma City. He was 85 years old. Balsiger joined the association in 1999 as part of the original lineup of regional representatives, serving the industry in a nine-state territory that spanned from Oklahoma to Ohio.
He held that role for a decade, retiring in 2009. But his aviation career had spanned more than five decades, beginning in 1964 at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Missouri. There, he served as v-p of customer service. Balsiger later joined Mark Aero but ultimately moved to Midcoast Aviation, where he held multiple roles and spent the bulk of his career before he came on board with NBAA, the association noted.
“John took the meaning of the word ‘representative’ to heart, as both an effective listener and a tireless industry champion,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “He will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to work with him, and at this sad moment, our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Nola Beth, his family, and many friends.”
Upon retirement, Balsiger, who was a certified cowboy and Western memorabilia collector and trader, focused on his art gallery, Old West Collectables.