E. Paul Balisky passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, with his beloved wife, Lila, at his side. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, missionary, theologian, and teacher whose life reflected deep faith, humility, and a lifelong commitment to Christ and His church.

Together with Lila, Paul served with SIM (Serving in Mission) in Ethiopia from 1967 to 2005. Over nearly four decades, he was involved in church planting, supervised development projects in southwest Ethiopia during the 1974–1991 Marxist regime, and taught within the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church’s theological schools. He later served on the faculty of the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa, mentoring pastors and leaders. For seven years, he served as the Director of SIM Ethiopia.

Paul completed a PhD in Ethiopian church history at the University of Aberdeen. His scholarship culminated in the publication of Wolaitta Evangelists: A Study of Religious Innovation in Southern Ethiopia, 1937–1975, a significant contribution to the study of indigenous African Christianity. In retirement, he continued writing and authored Thomas A. Lambie: Missionary Doctor and Entrepreneur, reflecting his enduring interest in mission history and faithful service.

After returning to Canada, Paul and Lila made their home in Grande Prairie.

Paul will be sadly missed by his wife, Lila; his sons, Allen (Beth), Loren (Tama), and Kevin (Jane); and his cherished grandchildren: Sophie, Connor, Olivia, Abigail, Oliver, Tanner, and Preston.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at McLaurin Baptist Church in Grande Prairie (10913 107 Ave), livestreamed at https://m.youtube.com/@mbcgateway618, with a luncheon to follow. After the luncheon, interment will take place at the Emerson Trail Cemetery (62048 AB-672, Sexsmith, AB T8X 4P9).

Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made to McLaurin Baptist Church (e-transfers may be sent to giving@mbcgateway.ca, with the memo: “Dr. Paul Balisky Memorial”). If an annual charitable donation receipt is desired, please include your name and mailing address.

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.