On July 7, 2015, Leon Eugene Hudson departed this world, reluctantly embarking on a new journey after battling cancer for 15 years. He was 84.
Lee, born in Pontiac, Michigan on May 28, 1931, is survived by five of seven siblings, Alberta Clements and Audrey Winters of Michigan, Ed Hudson and Betty Hagerdorn of Florida and Aaron Hudson of Missouri; his wife, Cathy; and his four children Kathie, Cliff, Jim and Seth, who together have produced 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Lee, who left high school during the 11th grade after refusing to read Silas Marner, joined the army in 1948. In 1951, he married his first wife, Lou, with whom he had his first three children. After being honorably discharged in 1952, he moved frequently, residing in Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico and Colorado. In 1971, he married Cathy, who bore his youngest son. They lived in California briefly before finally settling in their home of 39 years in Centralia, Washington. He worked a multitude of jobs including test driver for GM, welder, sewing machine sales and serviceman, tow-truck driver, gas station manager, realtor, builder and used car salesman.
In his retirement, he served St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, and in his twilight years volunteered alongside his wife in the hospice community. He was a jack of all trades, a master of love and acceptance, and while his physical body has left this world, all who met him will tell you his spirit still thrives within them.
Those who knew Lee were moved by his capacity to love and accept everyone who entered his life. He embraced the irony of his youngest son becoming an 11th grade literature teacher and spent endless hours reading sci-fi and war novels, as well as some of the classics, even including Silas Marner. He took solace in nature, and spent as much time as he could with each of his children hunting, fishing and playing golf.
He passed peacefully in the home he built with his best friend and his sons, surrounded by his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; sister Evelyn; and Aunt Eunice, who was “mom” to him for the latter part of his childhood.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Assured Hospice and Newell Hoerling Mortuary for their service and support during Lee’s final days.
A tournament and celebration of life will be held in his honor at Newaukum Valley Golf Course on August 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome.
