PORT HARDY—Deputy Mayor Debbie Huddlestan was found dead in her home early Sunday morning, just hours after the close of municipal elections that were to usher in her retirement from elected politics.
In addition to her civic duties, Huddlestan was an active and passionate volunteer who donated her time to organize a variety of activities and benefits, including Filomi Days and the Gazette Hamper Fund.
Huddlestan joined Port Hardy Council by acclimation in a by-election to replace her husband, Al Huddlestan, who died in March 2013 following a battle with cancer.
She assumed deputy mayor duties as part of a rotation of council members following the death in May of 2014 of former mayor and close personal friend Bev Parnham.
A Celebration of Life for Huddlestan has been announced by her family for this Sunday, Nov. 23, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
Donations can be made to a memorial bench for Debbie and Al Huddlestan.