MLA D. F. Huyghebaert – Wood River

Lord, we are grateful today for Mr. Huyghebaert, MLA for Wood River. We pray that You would continue to lead and guide him in his day to day tasks. Give him fresh vision and wisdom for future endeavours.  We also pray that in the middle of his busy schedule that he and his family will always find time to be together. In Your Name, Amen.

Lieutenant-Colonel D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert was born in Lafleche, Saskatchewan. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and was selected for pilot training. receiving his wings in 1968. Following pilot training, Yogi was posted to 421 Strike/Attack Squadron in Germany as a squadron pilot. Later in his military career, Yogi served as a member of the embassy staff in Washington, D.C. to consult with the United States on newly acquired CF-18 aircraft.

Yogi flew with the famous Snowbirds Squadron for two tours. In 1974/1975, he flew as number nine solo pilot and in 1985/1986, he was the Snowbirds' team leader. In 1987, Her Excellency Jeanne Sauvé invested Yogi with the Order of Military Merit. 

Yogi has served as the MLA for Wood River since being elected in 2000. He has served as the Chair of the Legislature's Standing Committee on the Economy and Chair of the caucus' Standing Policy Committee on the Economy. In November 2008, the Premier appointed Yogi to be the Government of Saskatchewan's main contact with the Department of National Defense and Canadian Forces. Yogi served as the Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing from May of 2009 to May 25, 2012.

In January 2011, Mr. Huyghebaert was appointed Honorary Colonel of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. 
Yogi and his wife Phyllis now reside on a small ranch in Glentworth. They have two sons and six grandchildren.