A state memorial will be held Friday October 28 for former Alberta Premier Jim Prentice.

Prentice died along with three other people on October 13 in a plane crash near Kelowna B.C.

Foothills MP John Barlow says the loss of Prentice when it comes to the well being of the province is a huge blow because he put the province first above himself.

"It says a lot about someone and his legacy how well respected he was amongst all the members who had the opportunity to work with him whether you were a Conservative, Liberal or New Democrat," he says.

Prentice won the leadership of the Conservative party and became the province's 16th Premier in September 2014 before falling to the NDP in the conservatives first defeat in a provincial election in over 40 years.

Prior to his provincial career, Prentice made a name for himself in federal politics serving as a member of the Conservatives back in 2004 then progressing to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Barlow says he was dedicated in his role in politics.

"Jim was a hard worker, very outspoken person, very passionate about things that he believed in whether it was the environment and Indigenous/ First Nation issues. Obviously the oil and gas sector in Alberta, it does say a lot about his character to see how well he was respected."

Prentice also had roles in the Oil & Gas Sector along with a senior role with CIBC in between his federal and provincial political careers.

Barlow says in his short time as an MP and working along with Prentice he was a strong leader that was proud of the province he truly called home.

"It shows for him to leave the private sector and comeback into public service and run for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives and eventually become Premier because I truly believe he wanted the best that he could for his province and for all Albertans."

Prentice did live in the Foothills riding as he called the Crowsnest Pass home for a portion of life.