One of the really good guys in Delta received well-deserved recognition last Friday night when Doug Husband was named Citizen of the Year.
Long remembered as the mayor who presided over the longest public hearing in Canadian history during the turbulent TDL days of 1989, the lifelong Deltan is far more than just a former political figure in these parts. He’s a Deltan through and through, a true community builder who loves this place as much as anyone, and continues to show that love even though he’s facing significant health challenges.
I first crossed paths with Husband during a civic by-election campaign in early 1987 and at first blush he seemed like that typical polished politician. You know the type -- handsome, well dressed, well spoken, the guy who said all the right things, a least according to a right-leaning constituency. Throw a beautiful wife and family into the mix and he seemed just a little too perfect.
Talk to him for any length of time, however, and you come away with a completely different impression of a man who views himself as a good ol’ Delta boy, one of 31 members of the class of 1956 at what was then known as Delta High. He’s the first to poke fun at himself and offers others plenty of opportunity to do the same, laughing along with the barbs he brings upon himself.
As much as he was in the political spotlight during more than a decade on Delta council, his overarching mission has always been to make Delta a better place. He was doing that before he was elected and has continued to do so in the decades since political life, his list of voluntary contributions extensive and his accomplishments many.
In typical Husband fashion, despite his health challenges, he was out this summer organizing a fundraiser to ensure a significant piece of Delta’s history, a John Horton painting of historic Port Guichon, finds its way into public hands. It has because of Husband’s efforts, although he’ll brush off any praise, pointing to the work of others. It was the same approach he took with his speech last Friday night, embarrassed by the recognition and quick to compliment others.
He’s correct, there are many people out there doing good things for Delta, but make no mistake, there’s only one Doug Husband.
