Obituary of Gordon Hudson

Viking folklore tells us that an orange moon in the sky signifies that a warrior has died and made his way to heaven. On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, an orange moon lit up the Ottawa skies. Gordon Walter Hudson, 59, and a true warrior, had made his way to heaven.

After a two year, epic battle with cancer, Gordon was given a tender send off by his beloved children: Cooper, Spencer and Whitney; his devoted and loving sister, Heather Hudson and Brother-In-Law Daniel Letang; and his dedicated, caring and forever loving mother, Sharron Quarrington. Waiting for Gordon, beyond that orange moon, were his dad, James “Buddy” Hudson (dec. 2004) and his step-father, Dr. A.J. Quarrington (dec. 2014). Gordon’s beautiful fur baby, Vader, has already been welcomed into his furever home by Aunt Heather and Uncle Dan.

From the time Gordon was old enough to become involved in sports, the name Gordon Hudson was synonymous with high school and community football teams throughout the region: the Laurentian Lions; Ottawa Sooners; and Ottawa Bootleggers. When his playing days were over, Gordon quickly moved into coaching, working with the UOttawa Gee Gees, the Orleans Bengals (where he coached son Spencer, who followed in his dad’s footsteps, as a tight end), his sons’ hockey teams, Coaching oldest son, Cooper, on the Eastern Ontario Flyers.

Gordon volunteered wherever he was needed. This provided his greatest joy and the happiest times in his life, Involvement with the kids. He contributed and supported them however possible — in their activities, their school lives, and their all-round development. Gordon served as an incredible role model for them: he was a loyal friend who was dedicated to helping others, and never turned away anyone.

For 14 years, Gordon found his niche as a Youth Services Director in several Quebec Aboriginal Reserves, where he promoted wellness and worked tirelessly with their young people. After his return to Ottawa, he again found a career where he would be helping those who needed it most — Gordon was hired by the Salvation Army in their Addiction Services. This latest career, which Gordon embraced as he did all his career choices, was sadly cut short when he was diagnosed with multiple cancers, nearly two years ago.

Gordon deeply appreciated every person involved in his care, from the doctors and the unbelievable staff at The Ottawa General Hospital Oncology Unit, to every individual who kept him company at the OGH and at home, all those who sent cards and letters of encouragement, the wonderful donations of food, transportation to appointments and endless trips to and from the hospital. Gordon and his family will never forget these many kindnesses.

A Celebration of Gordon’s life will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Cole Funeral Services & Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa from 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Words of remembrance will take place at 3:00pm. 

Gordon’s family looks forward to celebrating his wonderful life with his many friends, teammates, care givers, and coworkers on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Gordon’s name please consider Stem Cells Research at the Ottawa Hospital: Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Research, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, 737 Parkdale Avenue, First Floor, Box 610, Ottawa. K1Y 1J8