Yesterday, 07:02 PM
A Life Rooted in the Forest
Dave Husby was more than a logger—he was a symbol of grit, camaraderie, and the unspoken code of the woods. Raised in Gibsons, British Columbia, Dave’s early years were shaped by the rugged coastlines and dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. He entered the logging world during a time when the industry was transitioning from cable yarding and steam-powered equipment to hydraulics and diesel. His career spanned decades, from the mid-1970s through the early 2000s, and left a lasting impression on those who worked beside him.
Logging in British Columbia has long been a cornerstone of the province’s economy. By the 1980s, forestry accounted for nearly 15% of BC’s GDP, employing over 100,000 people directly and indirectly. Dave’s work—whether in Sandspit, Eden Lake, or the Alliford Bay region—was part of this larger story of industrial evolution and environmental stewardship.
From Husby Trucking to Husby Forest Products
In the mid-1980s, Dave transitioned from working under Husby Trucking to becoming a key figure in Husby Forest Products, a company that operated on Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands). The firm specialized in selective logging and remote operations, often requiring barges, helicopters, and specialized equipment like the HDX dump truck and Clark 667 skidder.
The Clark 667, a cable skidder known for its brute strength and simplicity, was a staple in Dave’s operations. With a Detroit Diesel 4-53 engine and planetary axles, it could haul danger trees and salvage logs from steep terrain. Dave’s crews often worked along the Alliford 400 Main, a logging road notorious for its narrow switchbacks and unpredictable weather.
The Man Behind the Machines
Dave wasn’t just a boss—he was a mentor. Colleagues recall him driving his own trucks, storming into cafés with a grin, and escaping hospitals against medical advice. Diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, Dave defied expectations by living longer than most with his condition. His refusal to be defined by illness became part of his legend.
In Sechelt, a story circulated about Dave sneaking out of the hospital to grab a drink with friends. Despite warnings from doctors, he continued to live life on his own terms. Eventually, he moved to the islands and focused on his work, channeling his energy into building a reputation for reliability and fairness.
Logging Culture and Brotherhood
Logging isn’t just a job—it’s a culture. Crews often form tight bonds, forged by long shifts, dangerous terrain, and shared meals in remote camps. Dave embodied this spirit. He treated his crew with respect, paid fairly, and never asked someone to do a job he wouldn’t do himself.
In the 1990s, during shifts at Eden Lake, Dave was known for his “go-getter” attitude. Whether operating machinery or coordinating logistics, he brought a sense of urgency and pride to every task. His leadership style was direct but empathetic, shaped by years of field experience and a deep understanding of the land.
Medical Challenges and Personal Resilience
Living with diabetes in a physically demanding profession is no small feat. The condition, which affects insulin regulation and blood sugar levels, can lead to fatigue, vision problems, and even limb loss if unmanaged. Dave’s ability to work through these challenges speaks to his resilience.
Medical data from the Canadian Diabetes Association shows that Type 1 diabetics in the 1980s had a life expectancy nearly 20 years shorter than the general population. Dave defied that statistic. His longevity and productivity were a testament to his willpower and the support of his community.
Legacy in the Logging Industry
Dave’s passing marked the end of an era. He represented a generation of loggers who bridged the gap between manual labor and mechanized forestry. His story is a reminder of the human side of industrial progress—the individuals who make it possible, often at great personal cost.
Today, British Columbia’s forestry sector continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on sustainability, Indigenous partnerships, and advanced harvesting technologies. But the values Dave embodied—hard work, loyalty, and independence—remain foundational.
Conclusion
Dave Husby’s life was woven into the fabric of British Columbia’s logging history. From his early days in Sandspit to his leadership in Husby Forest Products, he left behind more than felled trees and cleared roads—he left a legacy of integrity and perseverance. In remembering Dave, we honor not just one man, but the spirit of an industry and the communities it sustains.
Dave Husby was more than a logger—he was a symbol of grit, camaraderie, and the unspoken code of the woods. Raised in Gibsons, British Columbia, Dave’s early years were shaped by the rugged coastlines and dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. He entered the logging world during a time when the industry was transitioning from cable yarding and steam-powered equipment to hydraulics and diesel. His career spanned decades, from the mid-1970s through the early 2000s, and left a lasting impression on those who worked beside him.
Logging in British Columbia has long been a cornerstone of the province’s economy. By the 1980s, forestry accounted for nearly 15% of BC’s GDP, employing over 100,000 people directly and indirectly. Dave’s work—whether in Sandspit, Eden Lake, or the Alliford Bay region—was part of this larger story of industrial evolution and environmental stewardship.
From Husby Trucking to Husby Forest Products
In the mid-1980s, Dave transitioned from working under Husby Trucking to becoming a key figure in Husby Forest Products, a company that operated on Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands). The firm specialized in selective logging and remote operations, often requiring barges, helicopters, and specialized equipment like the HDX dump truck and Clark 667 skidder.
The Clark 667, a cable skidder known for its brute strength and simplicity, was a staple in Dave’s operations. With a Detroit Diesel 4-53 engine and planetary axles, it could haul danger trees and salvage logs from steep terrain. Dave’s crews often worked along the Alliford 400 Main, a logging road notorious for its narrow switchbacks and unpredictable weather.
The Man Behind the Machines
Dave wasn’t just a boss—he was a mentor. Colleagues recall him driving his own trucks, storming into cafés with a grin, and escaping hospitals against medical advice. Diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, Dave defied expectations by living longer than most with his condition. His refusal to be defined by illness became part of his legend.
In Sechelt, a story circulated about Dave sneaking out of the hospital to grab a drink with friends. Despite warnings from doctors, he continued to live life on his own terms. Eventually, he moved to the islands and focused on his work, channeling his energy into building a reputation for reliability and fairness.
Logging Culture and Brotherhood
Logging isn’t just a job—it’s a culture. Crews often form tight bonds, forged by long shifts, dangerous terrain, and shared meals in remote camps. Dave embodied this spirit. He treated his crew with respect, paid fairly, and never asked someone to do a job he wouldn’t do himself.
In the 1990s, during shifts at Eden Lake, Dave was known for his “go-getter” attitude. Whether operating machinery or coordinating logistics, he brought a sense of urgency and pride to every task. His leadership style was direct but empathetic, shaped by years of field experience and a deep understanding of the land.
Medical Challenges and Personal Resilience
Living with diabetes in a physically demanding profession is no small feat. The condition, which affects insulin regulation and blood sugar levels, can lead to fatigue, vision problems, and even limb loss if unmanaged. Dave’s ability to work through these challenges speaks to his resilience.
Medical data from the Canadian Diabetes Association shows that Type 1 diabetics in the 1980s had a life expectancy nearly 20 years shorter than the general population. Dave defied that statistic. His longevity and productivity were a testament to his willpower and the support of his community.
Legacy in the Logging Industry
Dave’s passing marked the end of an era. He represented a generation of loggers who bridged the gap between manual labor and mechanized forestry. His story is a reminder of the human side of industrial progress—the individuals who make it possible, often at great personal cost.
Today, British Columbia’s forestry sector continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on sustainability, Indigenous partnerships, and advanced harvesting technologies. But the values Dave embodied—hard work, loyalty, and independence—remain foundational.
Conclusion
Dave Husby’s life was woven into the fabric of British Columbia’s logging history. From his early days in Sandspit to his leadership in Husby Forest Products, he left behind more than felled trees and cleared roads—he left a legacy of integrity and perseverance. In remembering Dave, we honor not just one man, but the spirit of an industry and the communities it sustains.
