William Hudson

William "Bill" David Hudson Sr., faithful servant, husband, father, grandfather, farmer, entrepreneur, musician, golfer, and lover of nature, passed peacefully at 5:24 Saturday morning December 7, 2019 in his bed surrounded by eight of nine children standing shoulder to shoulder as his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years prayed him through the gates of heaven. He was preceded in death by his father Russell, mother Bertha, brothers Jean and Darmin, and sister Lori.

Born in Los Angeles March 27, 1941, Bill grew up in Apple Valley, graduated from Victorville High School in 1960, was baptized Catholic the same year, and served in the US Air Force in 1961.

A faithful servant of God, Bill was ordained to the diaconate March 1, 2003 which brought him to a true closeness to God and clarity that he was answering Gods call. Though he did not enjoy having attention on him, especially when called to assist at Mass, he was a willing servant and allowed God to push him well beyond his personal comfort in order to serve. Within the family he was often referred to as Houdini for his talent of blending into a crowd or slipping into corners to observe his loved ones living life.

A committed husband, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Regene, on June 13, 1964. Followed only by his love of God, he was fully devoted to his bride of 56 years. Together they passed that love to four sons; Bill Jr., Sam, Dan, and Paul, and five daughters; Renene, LeeAnne, Angela, Denise, and Mary. In turn they blessed Bill and Regene with nine grandsons, nine granddaughters and two great grandchildren. Bill and Regene together fostered the same love with many young couples in their years of work with the Marriage Encounter program.

Growing up Bill found true joy in farming and raising livestock, winning coveted awards in 4H and FFA in high school. As a young parent he shared that passion with his children and nieces and nephews farming land and raising animals in the Colombia Basin. A lifelong creative entrepreneur, Bill always had several things going at once. He was a service station owner, agricultural field man, hauled hay, logged firewood, manufactured luxury trailers, built custom golf clubs, instructed golf, and many other endeavors but providing for his family always took priority. It goes without saying that Bills success in life is measured by the legacy of Faith, Family and Love he has passed onto his kids and grandkids.

A devoted father, Bill nurtured a love of sports, singing, playing music, a joy of nature and outdoor life with his children. Attending as many of his childrens activities as humanly possible, Bill had a very distinct voice and his kids could hear him whistle or cheer encouragement no matter if it was a field, a gym, a stadium or a concert hall.

Bill would proudly say that his greatest achievement was the life he shared with his wife. He provided for her in every way, and together, they raised a beautiful family. He would often tell her that his goal as a parent was to raise lovers; lovers of the lord, their families, friends and the world around them. That was how he lived his own life and the family he built will forever be his legacy.
In memory of Bill, donations can be made to The Vincent Centers in Union Gap, WA.

Saint Vincent De Paul is a charitable organization our father had a deep commitment for many years of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, December 14, 2019 at St. Paul Cathedral (15 S. 12th Ave., Yakima, WA).