Former MLA, minister and Snowbird leader Yogi Huyghebaert passed away on Thursday at the age of 74.
Lt.-Col. Huyghebaert joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961, where he trained to become a pilot. He served as a pilot in West Germany and was later chosen to fly with and lead the Snowbirds.
In 1987 he was awarded the Order of Military Merit for his outstanding service with the air force.
After his retirement, Huyghebaert lived on a ranch with his wife Phyllis and became one of the earliest members of the newly formed Saskatchewan party in 1997.
“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,” Premier Scott Moe said in a written release. “He was a good friend and I will miss him.”
After losing by one vote in the 1999 provincial election, Huyghebaert won the by-election in 2000. He was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
Huyghebaert was the Minister responsible for corrections, public safety and policing before becoming the government military liaison.
