D.F. 'Yogi' Huyghebaert, former Sask. MLA and Snowbird pilot, dead at 74

A former Saskatchewan Party MLA and retired Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant-Colonel is being mournedafter he died on Thursday at the age of 74.

Premier Scott Moe was among those marking the accomplishments of Lt.-Col. (retired) D.F. Huyghebaert, known as Yogi to those close to him.

"After a long and distinguished military career,Yogicould 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 in a statement, noting that Huyghebaert went on to servefour total terms as an MLA in oppositionand in government, representing the constituency of Wood River.

"He was a good friend and I will miss him."

Huyghebaert joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961, serving as a pilot in West Germany and a member of the embassy staff in Washington, D.C., before going on to join and lead the iconic Snowbirds. He was later awardedthe Order of Military Merit for exceptional service.

Former Sask. Lieutenant GovernorVaughnSchofield recalled she had opportunities to see and work alongsideHuyghebaertin his dedication to military activities.

She told CBC Saskatchewan's TheAfternoon Edition that among his accomplishments,Huyghebaertwas instrumental in having yellow ribbons placed on the back of provincial vehicles, honouring reservists on Saskatchewan Reservist Day and putting up a plaque onHighway 1 between Regina and Moose Jaw, with a plaque hailing the route as theHighway ofHeroes.

"He walked into a room with that grin on his face, and everybody's heart just lit up," she said, recalling him as a larger than life presence. "I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile."

Political career

After retiring from the military, Huyghebaert and his wife Phyllis lived on a small ranch near Glentworth, Sask..

Huyghebaertjoined the Saskatchewan Party shortly after its creation in 1997.He would end up running for the party and winning a 2000 by-electionwith a large majority.

He would go on to win his seat in2003, 2007 and 2011, before deciding not to seek re-election in 2016.

Huyghebaert served as Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing and later as the government's military liaison.

The flags at the Legislative Assembly will be lowered to half-mastuntil Huyghebaert's funeral.