The following Eulogy was read at Ken Hudson's funeral on 5th January 2009 at St. Gregory's Church, South Shields. It was written by the family and read and wonderfully embellished by Adrian Usher, one of Ken's nephews, to a packed church. Angela and the family would like to express sincere thanks to all those who have been so kind in offering their recent support and condolences.Kenneth Hudson was born on 13th October 1943 in Wawn St, the third son of John and Elizabeth Hudson. He attended St. Bede School and went on to St Gregory’s when the family moved to Marsden. The family was completed by a sister Ann 8 years after Ken.
It was at St Gregory’s that a little girl from Cleadon Village caught his eye. Ken showed his interest by chasing her, pushing her in the nettles and generally tormenting Angela Stephenson. He was bright enough to be able to play up the teachers and still pass for grammar school. At St Aidans he was introduced to one of the great passions of his life-rugby. He played for the school and the Westonians. He also enjoyed being a Scout, especially the trips to Ireland, which he paid for by working as a Butcher’s boy on Saturday mornings.
He left school at 16 to work for Pyrotanics Chemical works, but decided it wasn’t for him. His parents didn’t want him to go to sea like his brothers Jackie and Eric. Eric had ended up living in Australia with his family. Undeterred he signed his own indentures and went on to study at the Marine Technical College. He travelled the world as a Marine Engineer for the next 6 years.
He met Angela again at St Gregory’s youth club when they were both 17. Her childhood tormentor had become a handsome young man with a fashionable quiff, sideboards and trousers as narrow as he could get away with, without his mother noticing. They finally got together in December 1961. Despite Angy saying she would never marry a man who went to sea, the relationship developed over hundreds of letters sent around the world.
Angela always wanted him to come home and after they married in 1969 she, with a few tears, persuaded him. Ken came home from sea. He initially worked at RAF Fylingdales, before moving to Sunderland as a Hospital Engineer. He took a promotion and moved to South Tyneside District Hospital where he stayed for the next 30 years. He became well known and respected around the hospital. He got involved with the running of the hospital social club, being both treasurer and chairman in his time. Even while recovering from glandular fever in the hospital he escaped to the club for a pint. He continued as treasurer of the club for many years after his retirement
Ken continued to enjoy playing rugby for Redheads, the Marine College, and finally at Westoe RFC. He had an association with Westoe for many years playing, watching and on the Rugby committee. He was an active member of the Senators and made many good friends there. He also helped to organise the infamous Easter rugby tours. He finally stopped playing aged 50, by which time he was held together with liniment and bandages.
Ken was always determined and would achieve whatever he set his mind to. He got his degree in Engineering at the age of 40. At that age he also learnt how to play the guitar and played regularly at St. Oswald’s church. Music was always important to Ken. After practising with little sister Ann at home he would swing Angela around the floor to rock and roll. He would later do the same at ceildhs. He also loved singing. After a few Newcastle Browns he could sometimes be persuaded to sing ‘The Lambton Worm’. Sheila and David remember him singing along to Country and Western songs en route to family holidays. Angela and Ken always enjoyed folk music and were regular visitors to the South Shields folk club.
Life came full circle when, for 5 years, with the help of friends, Ken and Angela resurrected the St. Gregory’s youth club. David has carried on the tradition of working with young people doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s awards with the De La Salle.
In his later years Ken developed a passion for his garden. His garden went through many changes but each change usually meant the addition of another shed. He also began walking with Angela as part of the Age Concern walking group. He really took to this, making many friends and becoming a leader.
Family life was always important to Ken. Ken and Angela both came from large, close and loving families. They had a daughter Sheila and a son David. He was proud to see them both do well- Sheila going to Cambridge and becoming a Doctor and David following in his footsteps as an Engineer. One can only imagine his feelings when David eventually followed him on to the rugby pitch. They were lucky enough to play together on a few occasions with David in the front row and Ken behind him in the second. In later years he was delighted when Sheila and Ant presented him with grandchildren Lydia and then Noah and he coped admirably with everything they threw at him.
Ken and Angela took many holidays together and had happy memories of trips reaching from Canada to Australia. Even after he became unwell he continued to live life to the full, enjoying a Mediterranean cruise only three months ago.
Ken was a proud, stubborn and strong willed man; at times he could infuriate friends and family. He was also extremely loyal, kind, funny and with a strong sense of right and wrong. He was not outgoing and would famously be found at parties on the stairs or hiding in the kitchen. But those who did find him often gained something from his quietly spoken words.
Looking back on his life recently he said he had no regrets. He would be pleased to know family and friends were going to remember him over a drink at the Rugby club.
Ken Hudson died on 27th December 2008. A poet once wrote that what survives of us is Love. It would be hard to imagine someone to whom this applied more than Ken Hudson. What survives of him is his love for Sheila and for David. What survives of him is his love for a girl he used to push into the nettles.
Any Donations in Memory of Ken can be made to Macmillan Nurses: www.macmillan.org
