Michael R. Hudson, Ph.D., 62, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in University Hospitals, Samaritan Medical Center following a brief illness.
He was born January 14, 1954 in Watertown, N.Y. to Ross C. and Agnes (nee Bilow) Hudson.
He grew up in Gouverneur where he graduated from high school before attending St. Lawrence University. While there, he discovered his life’s passion, the study of of geology and chemistry and went on to earn a B.S. in geology. He continued study at Indiana University receiving a M.A. in geology and at Miami University (Ohio) completing a Ph.D.in geology.
Dr. Hudson , associate professor of geology, began teaching at Ashland University in 1982 where he taught earth science courses including mineralogy, geochemistry, metamorphic petrology, and natural disasters.
Beloved by his students, Dr. Hudson, or “Doc”, served as the advisor to the Geology Club and director of the annual Mohican District Science Fair, and was the recipient of three Mentor Awards, a program that recognizes faculty or staff whose academic leadership with regard to students extends beyond the classroom. He was active with his students in geochemical research on rocks from both northern New York and north central Ohio. He also served several terms as Faculty Senate president, and was very active on various campus committees. He was a member of the Geological Society of America.
He proudly served in the United States Army where earned the rank of captain.
On August 14, 1988 he married the former Teresa “Terri” Cooper in Ashland.
Michael was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder and most currently on the board of trustees. Michael loved to sing and participated for many years in the church choir.
One of Michael’s greatest pleasures included spending time each summer at the family summer cottage or “camp” in the Thousand Islandswhere he loved water activities and boating on the St. Lawrence River with his children and grandchildren. An avid craftsman, he enjoyed projects big and small, whether is was re-shingling the cottage, repairing dock boards, laying new flooring in the bedrooms or fixing the screen door on the back porch. He considered it “heaven on earth” and it was one of the few places Michael really allowed himself to relax and slow down from his frenzied lifestyle.
Michael will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 28 years, Mrs. Teresa “Terri” Hudson of Ashland; two children, James (Ashley) Hudson of New London and Pamela (Andy) Hudson Keener of Orrville; four grandchildren, Samantha and Emma Hudson and Madelyn and Aiden Keener; his loving mother, Mrs. Agnes Hudson of Gouverneur; a brother, Scott (Sandy) Hudson of Gouverneur; nieces and nephews Matthew Hudson, Elizabeth Hudson, Courtney (Jason) Fitzsimmons, and Tom (Marta) Frisinger; sister-in-laws, Kimmie (Steve) Humrichouser and Penny (Mark) Osgood, niece Megan (Nick) Osgood Winiarski and grand nephew Jack Cooper Winiarski.
Michael is preceded in death by his father, Ross C. Hudson in 2006.
A memorial service, celebrating Michael’s life will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016, in the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Church Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Michael Parker officiating. Interment will be in the Clayton Village Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call, Friday, December 2, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm in the First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, 320 Church Street, Ashland, Ohio or to the Ashland University Geology Club.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.