NBAA Honors the Life, Legacy of Former Regional Rep. John Balsiger

Aug. 17, 2023

NBAA mourns the loss of former Midwest Regional Representative John 0. Balsiger, 85, who passed away Aug. 11, in Oklahoma City, OK.

Balsiger, who began working for NBAA in 1999, was the association’s first representative in the Midwest, and among its original lineup of Regional Representatives. He served his nine-state region – including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wisconsin – until retiring from NBAA in 2009.

His aviation career, which spanned more than five decades, began in 1964 at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in St. Louis. MO, where he served as vice president, customer service, until 1971. He went on to work at Mark Aero, Inc. from 1972 to 1973, before joining Midcoast Aviation in several capacities until coming to NBAA.

Dan Burkhart, the former lead for NBAA’s team of regional advocates, recalled Balsiger’s unmatched qualifications for the newly created position. “John was widely recognized as an industry leader in the Midwest and beyond,” Burkart said. “He knew all the key people in nearly every corner of the industry – from aircraft sales, to flight department management, to airport and FBO operations and beyond. To John, business aviation was both a profession and a passion, and the industry is better for it.”

Balsiger’s reputation and industry knowledge were highly regarded by leading aviation figures across the U.S. Former Oklahoma State Aeronautics Director Victor Bird observed: “When I first became director in 2002, John had forgotten more about aviation in one night than I’d ever known about it. He always stood ready to share insights, offer encouragement and provide support to anyone. He leaves an enduring example for others to follow.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, adding: “John took the meaning of the word ‘representative’ to heart, as both an effective listener and a tireless industry champion. 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.”

Following his retirement from the association, Balsiger, a certified cowboy and collector and trader of Western memorabilia, devoted his time to his art gallery, Old West Collectables. A memorial service is set for Aug. 18 in Balsiger’s hometown, Guthrie, OK.