Gilbert Hudson

Gilbert Hudson, loving husband, father and friend, passed away peacefully in his Florida home with family on February 24, 2022. He was 87. For fifty-two years of marriage, Gil was the devoted husband of Anne Rouse Hudson, who preceded him in death. He was the father of Jennifer (Joseph) Parke, Elizabeth (Thomas) Griffith and Susan (Bradley) Laffrey; the proud grandfather of Joseph (Mariana), Alison and Melanie Parke; Timothy and Libby Griffith; William and Anna Laffrey; and great grandfather to Mack and Perry Anne Parke. Gil also leaves behind Anne LaSalle, his partner of twelve years.

Gil was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and after graduating from Yale University and spending two years in the U.S. Air Force, he relocated to the Detroit area to work at the J.L. Hudson Company. Gil’s true calling came in 1973 when he was asked to lead three family foundations which merged in 1984 to become the Hudson-Webber Foundation. He led the foundation until his retirement in 1999, and continued his service as chair of the board until 2005 and as a trustee until the time of his death. Respected for his philanthropic leadership, Gil provided wise counsel to numerous community organizations, with long-standing dedication to Council of Michigan Foundations and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Throughout his life, Gil was committed to inclusive revitalization, economic recovery, and quality of life for the citizens Detroit.

Gil was a lifelong golfer and gardener, as well as a skilled bridge player. He will be remembered for his optimism, kindness, grace, humility, and charming humor. Family was his greatest joy. Gil was a caring and supportive father and was particularly delighted by his grandchildren, taking great interest in their lives. He touched and inspired all who knew him, and his presence will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Children’s Foundation Click Here to Donate Online or Grosse Pointe Memorial Church.