Frank Howard Hudgins

1951 - 2024
A lifelong Virginian, Howard was born in Richmond, VA and graduated from Episcopal High School. He spent his junior year of college in Paris which was a formative experience. He received an economics degree and a master's degree in landscape architecture from UVA and used his knowledge of landscape and the environment throughout his life. His first job was with the Piedmont Environmental Council, in Warrenton. He subsequently spent the rest of his career with Arlington County Parks Division, moving from draftsman to planner to Acting Division Chief over the span of nearly 30 years. In his profession, as in his life, what was important to Howard was stewardship of the land and bringing people together in consensus and action.

After retirement, Howard volunteered at River Farm, headquarters of the American Horticultural Association, in Alexandria, VA for 10 years, and Green Spring Gardens, a Fairfax County Park. When not beautifying the world for others, he worked in his own yard in Arlington, VA and on his Madison County property, "Ragged Run". He was completely immersed in nature at Ragged Run and therefore quite happy and at peace there. Howard was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia.

Howard and Elisabeth Glover Hudgins enjoyed a 37-year marriage and two children: Mary Virginia "Ginx" Hudgins, of Brooklyn, NY and Edward "Tyler" Hudgins of Arlington.

Howard bravely fought Parkinson's and Lewy Body Disease for many years, succumbing on May 29, 2024. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. More information will be available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/howardhudgins. If interested, charitable donations may be made to: Arlington Food Assistance Center afac.org, American Horticultural Society "Stewardship of River Farm" ahsgardening.org, MacCallum More Museum and Garden maccallummore.org.