Bruce Gordon Hudson passed away in his home on Thursday October 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 2, 1954 to Gordon Bennett and Catherine Oviatt Hudson, and had just celebrated his 68th birthday.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, particularly his family and his dear wife Louise (Bridge) of 46 years. Many times he was known to say “marrying her was the best decision I ever made.” Together they welcomed nine wonderful children, Rachelle (Ryan) Roberts, Jeff (Allaina), Ben (Allison), Jonny (Lusheen), Julie (Spence) Dorward, Steven (Jenn), Angela ( Kyle) Romeril, David (Stacie), James (Hallie), and have been blessed with 24 amazing grandchildren whom he adored.
He is also survived by his 7 siblings MaryRose (Ron) McMullin, Jacalyn (Gord) Miller-Williams, Keith (Sandi), Glen (Carole), Cathie (Ken) Harris, Pamella (Ron)Thompson, and Emily (Darren) Berg.
He spent his childhood in Edmonton and was known as a very bright and exuberant child. His cheerful, buoyant personality served him well throughout his entire life as nothing was too big of a challenge for Bruce. His inquisitive mind, ever hungry for knowledge, contributed to his acceleration in elementary school and his ability to begin university at age 16.
He graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Alberta and followed in his father and uncle’s footsteps by acquiring his CA in 1980, going on to become a Trustee in Bankruptcy after moving to Calgary. As a partner in Hudson & Company he worked many years with his mentor, Blaine Hudson, and in the recent years with his partner and friend Robert Price. There was never a problem he couldn’t solve. He was known for his hard work, honesty and integrity, never compromising his high standards for any reason. Due to these traits, Bruce was well respected in the business world by both his work associates and clients.
At 19 years old he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Italy. He loved his service there and the Italian people. Over the years he has served in many capacities including Scoutmaster, primary chorister, Bishop, and home teacher, a calling he particularly loved. He was also an excellent teacher and, true to form, demonstrated his perseverance and hard work ethic right to the end by teaching his last class only a few weeks before he died.
Bruce had a great love of music. As a child learning to play the piano, his mom became frustrated and finally sent him to a teacher to help him develop his natural ability to play by ear. He learned the clarinet and also the guitar, playing in a band during university. Many campfires came alive as everyone sang along with Bruce on the guitar. His keen memory and his love to sing helped him reach his goal of singing almost all of the hymns at church without the book. As his health declined he spent many evenings on YouTube listening to beautiful uplifting music about the Saviour. Bruce loved the Saviour and tried to follow the example set by Him, developing many Christlike qualities over the years.
His quick wit and keen sense of humour brought many smiles to everyone who knew him. An often unexpected comment would end in an eruption of laughter from all who were present. You could count on Bruce to lighten the mood and cheer everyone up, something we will dearly miss.
Bruce saw life as a great adventure. A short drive home often led through back roads with stunning scenery, or an exciting few hours on a logging road at the Shuswap. In his creative mind if you wanted to accomplish something, there was no reason it couldn’t be done. He dreamed, researched (endlessly), planned and worked hard on many projects including cars, contracting the building of two homes and countless projects at the cabin. Some of his last instructions were advice about projects at home and the cabin.
Life was not without it’s challenges for Bruce, as he developed arthritis at a young age. As his physical abilities declined, he never complained and always remained the optimist. His health did not deter him from coaching his children in sports or from tackling difficult projects. As long as he had his helpers (particularly Louise) by his side he felt we could do anything. He never tired of working, particularly at the cabin. He also never tired of enjoying the beauties of the Shuswap or the many happy and priceless families memories created there. He often called it his happy place, particularly this last summer.
Bruce loved the Gospel, the Saviour and his family and friends. His example of how to live life created a beautiful legacy.
Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, and prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Foothills Stake Center, 30 Everstone Boulevard SW, Calgary, Alberta. Funeral service will be held for Bruce at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Foothills Stake Center. The service will be live streamed by clicking on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81031604273.
Following the service, interment will take place at the Okotoks Cemetery.
Hugs from home can be submitted under the resources tab.
Service
Visitation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Foothills Stake Centre
30 Everstone Boulevard SW, Calgary, Alberta
October 14, 2022
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
October 15, 20229:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Funeral Service
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Foothills Stake Centre
30 Everstone Boulevard SW, Calgary, Alberta
October 15, 202210:30 a.m.
Livestream information in the obituary.
Graveside Service
Okotoks Cemetery
30 Westland Street, Okotoks, Alberta
October 15, 2022
Following the funeral service.
Jeff Grunewald says
Sister Hudson. We offer our sympathies in the passing of your good husband Bruce. We always enjoyed seeing you both at the temple. May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your family. Jeff and Judy Grunewald
Shelley Westmorland says
I had the pleasure of working with Bruce only since 2017. As I have on many occasions told my family and friends, this is the most respectful place I have ever worked. Bruce was a large part of that. We had many light hearted conversations of the joy of arthritis and always looking on the positive side. My condolences to your family on the loss of a well respected man.
Shelley W
Peggy Wilson says
Louise & Family;
My deepest condolences to all of you as you say goodbye to your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. Having worked for Bruce for approximately 20 years, I was privileged to see first hand his love for his beautiful family, his compassion for those suffering and experience his wise counsel , words I have carried with me for many years. He will be so missed by so many but I am sure one day we will all meet again. My heartfelt love and prayers to each and everyone of you.
Peggy Wilson
Jennifer (Smith) Gordon says
I have fond memories of Bruce. It was always a pleasure to run into him. His smile was contagious. He felt like family. Condolences to the Hudson family.
Gane Olsen says
Our deepest sympathy at the passing of your soulmate, Louise. He continues to be a great man and an outstanding missionary. I have fond memories of serving with him in Italy. While we were never companions, we did serve in the same zone. He was relentless in sharing his testimony of the Savior and the good news of the Restoration. We enjoyed a very special experience dedicating a new city to the preaching of the Gospel. I suspect he is anxiously engaged in gathering Israel on the other side of the veil now. May the enduring peace of the Saviour sustain you as a family until you are once again reunited with Bruce. Families are forever!
Gane and Shelly Olsen
Fred Hurdman says
Louise,
May the Lord bless you and your family at this time of mourning. Bruce has definitely left his mark in life. I have fond memories of Bruce in many different settings from work to church to community. Bruce was an inspiration to all who knew him.
One of the most tender moments was when Bruce talked with me in private and told me that he and his family were praying for me because I was in the Bishopric and the Bishop was gone over seas so much. That meant so much to me. Bruce will always be remembered as a gentle man with a huge heart.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Fred & Kathy Hurdman
JULIE BENDER says
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a wonderful man and we will truly miss him as our neighbour and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Louise, and your family.
Julie and Gerhard
Valerie Lock says
While I only worked at Hudson for a short period of time, I really enjoyed getting to know Bruce. His “quick wit” was exactly how I would describe him. He often made me smile – by often I mean on a daily basis. He will be so missed by many in the insolvency community. My sincere condolences to the Hudson family.
Jean-Ann Takahashi Garside says
I’m so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing.
I remember him from the early days in First Ward. I remember his smile, he was always smiling. And always kind to everyone.
I also remember when his Mom would take the TV plug in cord with her, so the kids wouldn’t watch TV while she was out. Not sure exactly who . . . but one of the older kids simply went and found a replacement cord.
Condolences to your family, he will be greatly missed.
Rich Sefcik says
There is so much to say about Bruce as he was so influential in my life as a kid. He taught us how to sled behind the big blue van, he didn’t get mad when Jeff and I put oil in the windshield washer fluid container, he taught us what it is like to go around a traffic circle 100 times in a row in Edmonton, he taught us about music in deacon’s quorum and each month would bring the keyboard in so we could sing, he once asked me to build a shelf in the basement of his office and when he realized it was way over my head, he laughed and then proceeded to teach. He taught us how to have fun, how to laugh, how to smile but most importantly how to give service and think of others.
Bruce will be missed but he will be remembered forever by family and friends. I count myself as one of those friends that will continue to cherish the memories that are deeply ingrained forever.
Marina Clark says
My deepest condolences to Louise and the whole Hudson family with the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather as well as brother and uncle to many more. I worked at Hudson and Company for a few years and always respected Bruce’s leadership. He will be missed by all who knew him and may each of you take comfort in remembering the wonderful times spent with Bruce as is evident throughout the obituary.
Senga Bailey says
The Hudson Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
I worked in the insolvency field with Bruce for many years and had the utmost respect for him. He was generous with his wisdom and I will miss his sense of humor and fast smile.
I am sorry I am not available to attend the services, but wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of Bruce, and all his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Senga
Darren Gough says
I remember the first time I met Bruce – it was Sunday Sept 18, 2005 – the day after my son Jess was born. The stake boundaries had just been changed and was hauled into his office and as Bishop asked to be YM’s president. I was not impressed to be asked such a task with a young family including a new born by this person I did not know – however – it did not take long to warm up to Bruce and his infectious smile, sense of humor and humble heart. One of the highlights serving with him was organizing a YM’s choir “Praise to the Man” which Bruce directed for one of the “priesthood themed” sacrament meetings. I will always cherish the time I served with him. I was also blessed to have attended the last EQ’s lesson he taught last month – although he was frail he gave a powerful spiritual lesson that I will never forget. My deepest condolences to Louise and the family. He will surely be missed!
Justin Gibb says
Bruce will be missed, and I send my love and condolences to Louise and your posterity. I will always remember Bruce sharing his testimony many times at “Cabin Church”, which has been a source of strength to me. I am grateful that Allaina and Jeff’s marriage introduced the Hudson family into my life more connectedly and frequently than it would have been otherwise. My life is more rich for this and for knowing Bruce. “Grandpa Hudson” will be missed. I appreciate how he would always make a point of talking to me at family gatherings or at the cabin. His example of optimism and Christ like discipleship will be his legacy in my heart.
Alicja Kulinski says
We are so saddened to hear about Bruce’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind man and a great neighbour. He will be missed. We wish you comfort, courage, peace and love during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alicja and Mark Kulinski
Jennifer Dorward Henrie says
I have no words. What a loss.
What a tribute! I learned so much more about Bruce in this obituary.
I can attest to his good humour, big heart and friendliness. I will miss seeing him on the water next summer…. It’s surreal that he’s gone. I grieve with you. May you find people who will walk the path of grief with you during this challenging season.
Love Jennifer (Dorward) Henrie
Julie’s sister in law
Sharon Locking says
It is with great fondness we remember Bruce, a kind compassionate man. He served and loved his fellow men, with all his heart. He always had a smile on his face despite the many challenges he faced. He was an example to all of us. We pray that your faith will sustain all of you through the coming months.
With Love Dennis and Sharon
Mark & Joyce Meldrum says
Dear Louise & Family
We are both shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Bruce.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerest Sympathy
Joyce & Mark Meldrum
Brett Kapcsos says
Bruce was a mentor and friend. I had the privilege of serving as a counselor (twice) to Bruce when he was a bishop. I am not sure what he saw in me, but I remember one of the first things he said to me was “get yourself a couple of suits and you’ll figure out the rest”. From that point on I spent hours at his side watching and listening. He took his responsibilities very serious, but never passed up a moment to crack a smile and have a good time. He loved people and I watched him treat everyone with kindness and respect as he served them. He never complained as long as I knew him, despite the health and mobility challenges he faced.
A couple fun memories with Bruce were learning the tricks to make a winning Kub Kar (He took this fatherly responsibility more serious then anyone I know as he could give me the history on each of the Hudson winning cars) and being in his air band “The Bishop’s Boys” where somehow Bruce convinced a few of us to dress up, lip sync, and play air instruments to the Beach Boys at a ward event (I did eventually forgive Bruce for that).
Thank you Bruce for making me feel like your best friend, even though I was much younger. Thank you for your example of love, service and devotion to faith and family. You will be missed.
Brett Kapcsos
Nancy McCutcheon says
My condolence to Bruce’s family. I worked in the capacity of a vendor to Hudson and Company and working with Bruce was always a pleasure. He was generous with his time and knowledge and I appreciated how much I learned from him about insolvency. One visit will always stand out in my mind where he sense of humour really shone.
It was around 2006 and I had been to the Hudson & Co office. Bruce invited me to come with him and Robert for lunch, at the Keg. They has this new dish “sweet potato fries”. Bruce really enjoyed them and suggested I give them a try. Not being one who enjoys sweet potato, I said I would give them a try but was a bit reluctant about the entire experience. Bruce ordered them, then shared his plate with me. I tried really hard not to make a face after trying one, but Bruce saw through it and said, “Well, I can see you are not a fan!” We all laughed and then enjoyed our meal and great conversation. It was a simple, but authentic experience.
I have the deepest respect for Bruce and how he and Robert built a corporate culture of caring and support for clients, staff and all visitors to their office. Bruce will be missed by the many people whose lives he made better for having known him and worked with him.