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Jay Hudson Obituary
A funeral in memory of Jay will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Rock in Talkeetna, followed by a graveside service at the Talkeetna Cemetery.
The oldest of four children, he was born Sept. 16, 1957, in Palmer.
He was raised in Talkeetna and graduated from Susitna Valley High.
His family wrote: "He was the first newspaper boy, and learned to fly from his father's lap. He soloed at the age of 16, the youngest at that time in the state of Alaska.
"From a pioneering family of Alaskan Bush pilots, Jay became well-known and highly respected throughout the flying world. He participated in many Denali mountain rescues and was awarded for his services, his safety, and his concern for those in need.
"He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and the large community of climbers and pilots whose lives he touched."
He leaves his father, Cliff; his mother, Ollie; three brothers, Bruce, Chuck and Scott; and his two precious sons, Dustin and Clifford, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his uncles, Allan Dahl, Dusty Robson, and many cousins.
Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Hudson
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Beatrice Abfalter
December 19, 2009
so sorry to hear of Jay passing into the next life so soon .He was still so young.My family sends our deepest sympathy to you Ollie, Bruce, Chuck, and Scott.He will always be remembered for always being polite and respectful to us.
December 18, 2009
My brother, Robert Link, guided for RMI and explained to his clients that even though other groups were being flown on and off Denali in bad weather, when Cliff or Jay showed up, you'd be sure to get where you were going.
Tina Ortman
Jim Ortman
December 17, 2009
Jay was one of the legends. Lost a real pilot. Few have deserved so much respect as a man and an aviator. I am lucky to have been able to work along side Jay for a few years. I still tell stories about some of his feats. Condolences to the family
Tom Rueter
December 16, 2009
Cliff,Ollie and family,
Condolences to all of you. Let Jay live on in your hearts. I only had a short interaction with you in the mid 70's when my brother Larry staked land on "ole Herc" creek with Kermit. We then had a chance to fly together to Ruth Amphitheater to film some dog sledding advertizement in late 80's
Will always remember and appreciate the assistance extended to me.
MORT MASON
December 15, 2009
I have had the good fortune to fly with both Jay and his father, Cliff. Years ago, I owned High Lake Lodge up in the Devil Canyon country, and Cliff did a bit of flying for us. I only flew once or twice with Jay, as he was fairly new to flying the outback country then. Back in those days, Doug Geeting was flying with Cliff and Jay, too.
I knew Cliff to be a staggeringly experienced pilot, and I know that he passed on to Jay his serious and cautious approach to the work. Jay learned well, and has gone on to make both his father, and all of Alaska, proud of his skills, his personality, and his many accomplishments.
It was with a heavy heart that I learned earlier today that Jay had gone west. My own 20,000 Alaska flying hours make me well aware of Jay's flying environment. Clearly, he mastered it all.
To Cliff, and to all Jay's family, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. I will sadly carry the word of Jay's passing to the Quiet Birdmen. You have my solemn oath that we will salute Jay's having gone west.
Sadly,
Mort Mason
Scott Mignery
December 15, 2009
Of all the glacier pilots I had the pleasure to fly with, Jay gave my partners and I a truly rewarding memory by flying us into the upper Knik Glacier at 9,000 plus ft., to climb Mt. Marcus Baker in the early 90's. I am saddened to here of his passing. He gave me a lasting memory of his highest landing. I am glad to have experienced his personal exhuberance on that day. I am sincerely touched to hear this news and offer my tho'ts and prayers.
Leah Dunn
December 13, 2009
I just found out about Jay's fight with cancer. I have great memories from growing up in Talkeetna and going to school with Jay, Bruce, Chuck and Scott. Even though I haven't been back to Alaska in years, I'm so saddened by the loss of Jay at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rupert & Millie Pratt
December 13, 2009
Cliff and Ollie,
You are well-aware of what the Hudson family means to me and my family. Millie and I feel your loss, deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary & Shirley Calhoun
December 12, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family, I only found out about Jay's death today. I am so sorry of Jay's passing. The Hudson family loss a son, Talkeetna lost a son also. Jay will be missed. God Bless the Hudson family.
December 12, 2009
Ollie, Cliff and Family,
My deepest sympathies in the loss of Jay. He, like his dad, was a fine, intuitive pilot. My dad and I flew with Jay into the Ruth Amphitheater and landed by the gates for a photo back in May 1995.
My thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in the memories of happier times with Jay.
Most Sincerely,
April Cook
Zona Devon
December 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Jay was a good friend to all of my family.
May your memories and knowing how well thought of he is, bring you comfort.
Zona Devon and family.
December 11, 2009
A good man and a safe pilot, Jay will be missed. Our condolences to his family. Ralph Baldwin and Susan Gunther, Wasilla, AK.
Sharon Theodore-Padua
December 11, 2009
What we have once enjoyed - we can never lose.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Take comfort in your memories, for they will indeed be a part of you forever. Helen Keller
I knew Jay but didn't really get to know him...i do remember that he was never without a smile and an ear to lend...he was a sweet guy and will be dearly missed...on behalf of the Theodore family...Sharon Theodore(Padua) May your hearts heal, in due time, over the overwhelming sadness that you may have..our hearts go out to the precious family that he has left behind.
Janet Ingersoll
December 11, 2009
Our condolances to the Hudson family. We have fond memories of early days in Talkeetna,playing with and baby-sitting young Jay in 1958. Janet Smith- Ingersoll and Deanna Smith-Beauchamp.
December 11, 2009
Pete and Toni Richardson
Doug Gross
December 11, 2009
Although I haven't seen Jay for quite a few years I have fond memories of him while we attended high school together. I was so glad to see him again when I brought my wife up to Talkeetna in 1996 for the school reunion. Jay invited us to fly with him for a glacier landing on the Mountain. It was the highlight of our trip.
Jay I know you are going to be missed by your entire family and good friends but I just wanted to say there are others whose lives you have touched that will also miss you and I am one of them.
My sincerest condolences to your whole family.
Doug
Todd Miner
December 11, 2009
I feel lucky to have flown with both Cliff and Jay. The climbing community misses such stalwart and safe pilots.
Todd Miner, Cornell University
J L
December 11, 2009
"Blue Skies" you will be missed in our community of aviators..One of the Good Ones.
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