Alexander Elton Hudson

1970 - 2021

Alexander Elton Hudson

Alexander Elton Hudson went home to God on February 24, 2021, after an illness. He was born in Reno on December 4, 1970, the son of Dr. James G. and Karen S. Hudson. An exuberant, bright, curious child, he won people's hearts from his earliest days. Favored with an easygoing temperament, he took large pleasure in small things. Along with his parents and three younger sisters, he spent many summers traveling in the US, Canada, and Europe, where his father had scientific projects. These rarely took place in tourist locations; often the family camped in primitive surroundings, and found adventure in various venues.

Alex's life was never defined by the harsh challenges of his autism. His sturdy, courageous spirit was greater than any limitations. He loved long road trips, music of many genres, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, and hiking along the River Walk. Alex enjoyed all kinds of food, and having places to go and people to see. His sweet nature drew people to him, just as the butterfly was drawn in the included picture. A gentle soul, he walked through the world with ease despite his personal suffering. His disposition was enchanting and full of love.

As is often true about exceptions, his impact on our lives is complicated to know and explain. He was a guiding light, revealing the depths of the hearts and minds of those who encountered him, and, again and again, extending grace to those who knew him.

He met his circumstances with serene magnanimity. He was fun-loving, with an infectious laugh. We remember as he leaped into the Pacific Ocean, the sun on his back, with a grin as big as the moon, his laughter loud and red like his lips. We see him sitting next to us, the wind in his hair, his face aflame with delight, our shrieks intertwining, as we went whooshing along some roller coaster tracks. We imagine that in those moments his spirit was winged, and his sense of freedom sublime.

We will cradle memories like these, and know that every knot that kept him and bound him is now undone. He is the perfection of the before and of the after. His spirit now dwells wholly in the exalted freedom we as yet only glimpse. His presence among us was a blessing beyond measure.

He is survived by his devoted parents, his loving sisters Annemarie VonDerLinn (David), Elaine Hudson Murray (Eric), and Veronica Fadok (Jonathan); his nephews, namesake Alexander Fadok and Theodore Fadok, nieces Arista Murray, Natasha Murray, and Ava VonDerLinn. He is also survived in Michigan by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and by his grandmother, Margaret Hudson. He was predeceased by his grandparents Elton and Freda Sampson, and his grandfather, James H. Hudson. Alex was registered with Organ Donor Network West. A memorial service will be held at the Carmelite Monastery, post-pandemic, date to be determined later. An educational scholarship fund in Alex Hudson's memory and name will be established in the greater Portland, Oregon area through the North Clackamas Education Foundation. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.nc-foundation.org, including his name.

To see the included photo in color, please visit https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rgj/