‘Blue skies, Yogi, rest peacefully’: Sask. Party mourns longtime MLA
Delwood Frederick Huyghebaert, a decorated pilot and former Saskatchewan government minister, died Thursday at the age of 74.
Known as “Yogi,” Huyghebaert was an early member of the Saskatchewan Party, which shared the news of his passing in a release that quoted Premier Scott Moe.
“After a long and distinguished military career, Yogi could have chosen to enjoy his retirement, but instead he decided to continue his public service as one of the first members of the Saskatchewan Party,” Moe said.
“He was a four-term MLA in opposition and government, a minister, and always a strong voice for his Wood River constituency and rural Saskatchewan.
“He was a good friend and I will miss him.”
Huyghebaert was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1987 to recognize his long career as a pilot with the Canadian Forces, which saw him lead the famous Snowbirds. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After his retirement, Huyghebaert retired to a small ranch near Glentworth, where he lived with his wife Phyllis.
But he soon delved into politics, joining the nascent Saskatchewan Party soon after its founding in 1997.
He ran unsuccessfully for the leadership of the party and became MLA for Wood River in 2000.
He was re-elected three times and served as the province’s minister of corrections, public safety and policing.
He did not run for re-election in 2016.
Saskatchewan Party luminaries soon took to social media to mourn a man former premier Brad Wall called “a colleague and friend.”
“His dedication to his country and his province was unquestionable,” Wall posted to Twitter.
“We will miss you Yogi.”
Greg Ottenbreit, minister responsible for rural and remote health, called Huyghebaert a “mentor.”
“He lived a life serving others,” the Yorkton MLA tweeted. “Blue skies Yogi, rest peacefully.”
The flags at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building will fly at halfstaff until Huyghebaert’s funeral, according to the Saskatchewan Party release.