The death of Jim Prentice in a plane crash last week reminded many Albertans of another tragic loss more than three decades earlier.

Grant Notley, then leader of the New Democratic Party, died with five others in a plane crash near Slave Lake Alberta on Oct. 19, 1984.

Notley, 45, was instrumental in establishing the NDP as political force in the province once he took over the leadership in 1968. He was elected to the legislature in 1971 and sat as the party's lone member.

While in office, Notley worked as a voice for labour groups and through their support became leader of the official Opposition in November 1982.

After his death an Edmonton park was named in his honour, at 116th Street and 100th Avenue, overlooking the river valley near the legislature.

Grant Notley had two sons, Stephen and Paul, and a daughter, Rachel, who continued his legacy in the New Democratic Party, eventually becoming premier in May 2015.