Oren Benton Hudson

I never had the privilege of meeting Oren but met his son at Merrill field in June 2012 who told me all about his Dad and allowed me to sit in his Grumman Widgeon which is something I will never forget. A sad loss and I offer my belated condolences to his family, may he rest in peace,

Ray (UK)

When I was a very little girl, Oren flew my family (Paulus family) to and from Beluga River. I don't have a lot of memories of living in Beluga, but I remember Oren and his airplanes. For some reason, I remember being very excited to fly in the Widgeon.

He was flying my neighbor, John "Tennessee" Miller back from a fishing trip. John said " I bet you can't hit one of those moose in the lake down there."
Oren reduced elevation and lined up on the two moose in the lake. When he got over the moose, he made a thump sound with a lever then winked at me.
John started laughing and actually believed Oren took out the moose. The next day, John was going from bar to bar in Anchorage telling everyone that Oren
had hit a moose in the lake. Oren & I always laughed about this. Oren knew how to laugh & how to be a friend.

Very Sorry for Your Loss! I met Mr.Hudson at Merrill Field in 2005 and had the distinct privilege of gaining 60 years of knowledge from him, Great Pilot and Great Story Teller!! We talked for 3 or 4 hours and He was a True Pioneer and Explorer ! I will Never Forget Him !

So sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. It was always comforting to see his planes at Merrill Field. I hope the family is doing well.

Sincere condolences on the death of your father, Kent and Ryan's grandfather. He was a great man. Who lead an exemplary and awesome life. May he Rest In Peace. Love, hugs and prayers.
Dolores Andre

Oren will always be remembered by our family with great affection and admiration. Our mother, Claudine Coray Wright, and our father, John Coray, met Oren when they taught school in the villages of Pedro Bay and Nondalton in the early 1950s. He brought our mail and was often our go-to pilot over the years, flying my brothers and me in to our place on Lake Clark. It was wonderful for me to be able to reconnect with him when I visited my brother Craig in Patagonia a few years ago. Such a coincidence, that Oren happened to live in the same town that Craig and his wife chose for their winter residence.

My prayers are with the family.

We were always pleased to see our neighbor Oren was back in Patagonia for the winter. Our condolences to his family, friends and fellow pilots. He will be missed. Bob Kellock and Samantha Carlson

The neighborhood has lost its last legend, it seems so empty now with Paul, Nate and now Oren gone. We will always remember his smile and flying while standing at our door. He will forever be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. Patagonia neighbors, Dave and Jan

Heaven must have had an opening. I remember him as my dad had airplanes at Merrill Field and was a friend of his. We lived in the same neighborhood back in the day. Prayers for the family.

The Bahr Family

Oren may be gone now but his legend will live on forever. An exemplary example of a life well lived! So glad I was able to say goodbye to him last year at Chester Park as Dad (Tom O'Malia) was moving out to Arizona. There were barely any signs of slowing down then..... The aviation community has lost a hero and friend.

My sympathy goes out to the Hudson Family during this difficult time of grief. Such a long, well lived life, as Oren most surely had, will be missed by many. As your days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends and know that God is near when our hearts are broken.

Oren was a true friend to me as me and Capn him had a hanger by him. He is a legend. Miss ya Oren. Be blessed, Kerry

Condolences to his Family from Pedro Bay.

Please allow me to offer my condolences to your family during this time of great sadness. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time.

I knew Mr. Hudson many years ago. He was a gentle soul. My condolences to the family, though I only knew Guy.

My sincere condolences to your family. Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give you the strength and comfort you will need to endure, and cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. Isa.40:39,41:10,13.

I first met Oren during my early days in Alaska flying DC-3 into Illiamna. Our friendship continued over the years and after I retired and we headed south for the winter we would stop in Patagonia, AZ and visit. If he was out riding his motorcycle, we would just leave a note. A remarkable career and he was a legend in aviation. Have a good flight West Oren. It was a pleasure knowing you.

Our condolences, Ruth, from me and my family to you and your family. We are thankful for our associations over the years of Oren's full, long, and well-lived life.

I had the pleasure of meeting Oren and going on some motorcycle rides with him. What a kind man and an inspiration to all. My sincere condolences to his family.

Oren was a great person and a great pilot, one of the best. Rode with him many times and his Widgeon skills were the best.
RIP Oren, you had a great flight through the years. Full throttle and flaps up!
John Schwamm

We are very sorry to learn of the loss of Oren. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends during this difficult time. "May your loyal love please comfort me." Psalm 119:76