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OBITUARIES 57

ANTHONY EDWARD HUDSON

OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1942 - 1946
1928 - 2016

I want to thank you all for coming today as we remember and
commemorate the life of Anthony Edward Hudson, known to us
all as Anthony, Tony, Grandpa or Dad.

Dad was born in 1928 and lived a full and fruitful life. He spent
the first half of his life in Cheshire and the second half in and
around Hertfordshire. Dad never forgot the area where he was
born. He was a member of the Manchester Rugby Club and
Lancashire Cricket Club throughout his life.

Following his early school years in Cheshire, Dad spent four years At the airport on the way back to England, I witnessed Dad
at Ratcliffe College in Leicestershire, during the War. This was a shed a tear as he said goodbye. It was the first time that I had
school where he made lifelong friends, and where I followed in his ever seen him cry. Dad’s life was complete. And then little Elle
footsteps some thirty years later. He always enjoyed reminding arrived. Grandpas and granddaughters together. Now there was
me, whenever I complained about the food or the cold, that it a special bond.
was so much tougher in his day.
The years rolled by, and Dad continued to provide a supporting
After his school years, Dad completed his National Service in role to the rest of the family. They moved into a smaller home as,
the Royal Navy. Again, friendships were formed and memories according to Mum, the garden was becoming too much for Dad.
made. It was time now for Dad to start work and find a career. Nevertheless, he always found a way to pursue his love of the
He dabbled in accountancy, but soon found a position within a garden. I used to ask Mum how my brother, Tim, was getting on
chemical company called R W Greef. Dad spent over 35 years at with his gardening business. ‘Oh, he’s busy,’ she would say, ‘but
the same company, rising up the management ladder until his it’s OK, as he has his 80-year-old assistant to help him out!’
eventual retirement at the age of 62.
But eventually, time would begin to take its toll. The last few
Throughout his working life, Mum was alongside him. They years were a challenge. Mum’s failing mental health was a great
had met through the tight community of young Catholics in strain on Dad, both emotional and physically. But Dad would
Cheshire and married in 1958. They had three children - Julie, always be there for Mum. He wanted to be with her, no matter
Tim and myself. Parenthood had its challenges, but Mum and how difficult the situation would become. Only a few weeks ago,
Dad overcame the obstacles in their way. Dad was a patient, Dad was admitted to hospital, but insisted on returning home
thoughtful and calm man, and these were all attributes which within 24 hours. He wished to be at home with Mum until the day
he bought to the fore as he raised his family from childhood to he died.
adulthood, creating an environment filled with love, comfort and
faith. Dad eventually passed away on June 19th - it was Father’s Day.
I think that it was Dad’s little way of making sure that we would
Once his children had left the nest, it was time for Dad to enjoy always remember him. In the following hours and days that
his well-earned retirement. Initially, I think that retirement passed, I had many conversations about my father. One particular
presented a fresh challenge, as Dad searched to find his rhythm. conversation made a lasting impression. I had texted Tim to ask
Mum used to complain that, in Dad’s view, the only difference how Julie was. Tim said that she was sad, but he had reminded
with retirement was that he had a new secretary! But eventually, her of all the good times that we had growing up as a family. I
Mum and Dad found their pace. A weekly game of golf, trips to messaged back that we were lucky to have him. Tim replied and
the garden centre, travelling to the cities and beaches of Europe said that he was an excellent dad. And that is what he was. As
and several trips to Asia became the norm. And always the first a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, a relative and a
item on the agenda on any vacation was to find the local church. friend, Dad was excellent in every way.
Mum and Dad would never miss Sunday Mass.
I want to end by saying to Dad from all of us, thank you and we
One such visit was special. In 2003, Dad travelled to Australia love you.
to watch England play in the Rugby World Cup. Rugby was his
passion. He had watched England play at Twickenham for fifty Eulogy
years, but this was his first away game. The same visit culminated Andrew Hudson (82)
in the arrival of his first grandchild, Joseph. I had not appreciated Son
how much having grandchildren meant to both Mum and Dad.

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