A pilot, a commanding officer, a politician, a family man, and a friend. Delwood Frederick "Yogi" Huyghebaert was honoured at a celebration of life held at 15 Wing Monday afternoon.

It was a short service for the former politician and pilot, but a long ceremony, as one by one a number of people at the celebration made their way to the front to speak about the type of person Huyghebaert was, and stories they had

about him.

Everyone who spoke highlighted a different aspect of the accomplished man's life. From his amazing aviator skills as a pilot and his conviction as a politic, everyone held high praise for the man.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) "Yogi" Huyghebaert was the Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds back in the 1970's and had many distinguishing moments in his career.

Serving in Germany, getting his pilot's wings, and earning himself an Order of Military Merit in 1987. After he retired from the Royal Canadian Air Force he took a short hiatus until entering politics to become a public servant, where he became the province’s minister of corrections, public safety and policing.

"Yogi was a man of great conviction, great passion, and when he decided to take a particular stance he went in all in. Whether that was representing the Canadian Forces, the province of Saskatchewan, or his party, you could always count on Yogi," explained Dan Dempsey, a Director of the Snowbirds Alumni Association. "He was boundless energy and for that, you know, we will always remember him and respect him."

Dempsey also flew with Huyghebaert, he flew as Snowbird 9 and later took over the role of Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds.

On the politician side, Huyghebaert stood for what he believed in and had a hand in creating many of the things that honour those who have served in the military. Such as veteran license plates, the Government of Saskatchewan "Support Our Troops" stickers, and the Saskatchewan Highway of Heroes.

Huyghebaert was seen as a Canadian hero and a mentor among his friends, and if you were to listen to the stories shared at the celebration, many would agree he was just that. Many of the people in attendance were also from his past as a Snowbird and a politician. Former Premier Brad Wall, Premier Scott Moe, and our local MLA's were in attendance to remember their friend.

"[It was] an opportunity for us to remember Yogi for the man that he was throughout his career, through all walks of life and to share some [stories] of, you know, the person we knew with his family and to show our respect to the family of a friend of mine, Yogi Huyghebaert," Premier Moe expressed.

After the celebration concluded, the Snowbirds came to give a special fly by for the former Commanding Officer, performing their "Missing Man" formation which is held for members of the military who pass away.