HUDSON MILBURN September 1, 1926 – January 31, 2020
In his 94th year, Hudson peacefully passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Maitland Manor Nursing Home, Goderich, Ontario. His family will deeply mourn his passing but are also relieved that he is now at peace after struggling with Alzheimer’s for the past number of years. Hudson is survived by Lorna (Allin), his beloved wife of 65 years, his adoring children Alan Milburn, Cathy Ryan (Scott), Kent Milburn and Bradley Milburn (Val) as well as grandchildren Danielle Milburn, Dominique Milburn, Jessica Ryan, Drew Ryan (Brittany) and Benjamin Milburn. Hudson was predeceased by his son Richard Milburn (2019) and siblings Isabelle, Donald, James and Elsie.
Hudson was born in Easington, England on September 1, 1926 to Hudson (deceased 1971) and Elsie (Portingale – deceased 1994) Milburn and immigrated to Canada in 1929 where his family was one of many to settle the west on a farm near Minburn, Alberta. Here, Hudson learned a work ethic which would follow him through life. After a stint with the RCAF installing telephone lines in the Yukon, Hudson joined the RCMP in 1948 and served his 25 years in the Yukon and prairie provinces – a dashing and imposing figure in his Red Serge and sidearm. During his service with the RCMP, Hudson and Lorna formed numerous close friendships which endured over the years and miles.
After retiring in 1973, the Milburn family moved back to Lorna’s home near Benmiller, Ontario where Hudson held positions with the Canadian Order of Foresters as well as with Colborne Township as Municipal Clerk. He also, with questionable financial success though high entertainment value, tried his hand at both rabbit and chinchilla raising.
During his years in Ontario, Hudson was an active, 70-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109 and enjoyed many years singing with the Goderich Harbouraires. His family and friends will fondly remember his emotional rendition of Danny Boy; his children will also recall with only a measure of fondness, their father regularly singing spontaneously made up songs about them most often sung in front of their friends.
Aside from his lifelong love of music and singing, Hudson loved a good party with a stiff whiskey (water, NO ICE), could turn a stick into a building or piece of furniture, was courageous enough to take on word processors and computers at their inception and instilled a love of reading and knowledge in his family.
Special thanks to Hudson’s many friends at “The Legion” for visiting and always keeping him in mind; the staff at Harbour Hill Retirement Community during his time there; the angels at Maitland Manor Nursing Home for making his final years as painless and joyful as possible; and friends and family who enlivened his days with visits.
Friends and family are extended a heartfelt welcome to attend Hudson’s service on Saturday, February 22 at McCallum and Palla Funeral Home, Goderich. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. with service commencing at 1:00 p.m.. A Celebration of Life at the Goderich Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109, 56 Kingston Street will follow at 2:30 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, Hudson’s preference would be donations to Branch 109 Royal Canadian Legion, Alzheimer Society of Huron County or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Hudson’s family will forever love, admire, miss and be thankful for, the man we were so fortunate to have play such a vital roll in our lives.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Lorna we so wanted to drop in on Saturday and give you a hug. We remember Jud sitting behind the desk at the OLD colborne township office or on a Colborne parade float with us or helping organize the remembrance service. Always extremely efficient and putting so much of himself into all that he did. Sending our happy thoughts of him your way.
Roxanne Kernighan
I send sincere condolences to the Milburn family. Judd had a remarkable life and will be greatly missed. My parents, Audrey and Russel respected him very much.
MABEL CLARK
I remember Judd from healthy hearts .he was willing to try anything new,also a great leader on the board. Always afriendly smile .my thoughts are with u at this time Lorna ,lean on your family for support. Mabel &Jim Clark
Gail Trewhitt
Recalling many fond memories of times spent with Judd in Healthy Hearts and visiting him pastorally from St. George’s Church in Goderich, sharing communion in his home as well as at Harbour Hill. My visits in Maitland Manor may not have been the same enjoyment for us both but it was always good to connect with him even briefly. He certainly was a wonderful man! My heart goes out to you all, especially Lorna. It is always bittersweet, knowing the worst is finally over but so sad that he is no longer here with us. God’s blessings to all. Gail
chris starkey
As a fellow member of the International Association of Turtles, Jud was much-loved by Kent’s friends whenever we had our annual “Turtle Weekend” in Goderich. He was always ready to engage in a battle of witty jabs with us and (usually after a drink or two) would regale us with stories of his days with the Mounties. We still get together for Turtle Weekend (for 35 years now) and his classic “maggot story” always comes up in conversation each year.
He had a life well-lived and all should take comfort that he doesn’t need to fight anymore. We are thinking about “Dudley” (Kent) and the rest of the family at this time.
Debbie Poulton
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Lorna and Family.I have a lot of great memories,love Debbie .
Donald and Dawn Sowerby
We are sending our sincere sympathy to you Lorna and your family. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Jim & Helen Fisher
Sorry to Judds passing. Remember all the good times in Colborne Townshlp. Jim & Helen Fisher.
Senga Smith
So sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband and father. My sincere condolences you Lorna, Cathy and family during this difficult time.
Jim & Helen Fisher
Lorna and family. We are sorry to hear Hudson passed away. Remember the good times and get togethers. Jim & Helen Fisher
Karen Holtby
Lorna and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Keep the memories close to your heart. Karen (Harman) Holtby
Shirley Erb
To Lorna and all of Judd’s family My thoughts and prayers are with you. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the funeral service. I will be thinking of you.