Notes:

Warren Major Hudgens, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2011 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Thanks to you, my family and friends, I have had a life full of love and joy. I wouldn’t trade places or times with anyone.

I was born in Grandview, Washington in 1950 to Leland and Mathilda. I was an Eagle Scout, raised pigs and liked school. Moving to Seattle in 1965, I attended Shoreline High School, where I enjoyed debate and drama. I joined the Army in 1970, receiving 18 months of training as a Vietnamese linguist. While in-country, I volunteered for several missions and saw ample evidence of the evils of war.

From 1973 to 1975, you could find me at the University of Washington. Upon graduation, I worked for Arthur Andersen & Company before I began an eight-year involvement with investment banking. In 1982 I was presented with my greatest opportunity, meeting the wondrous Sharon Murphy. Between 1985 and 1991 we had 5 sons. I was fortunate to spend 11 years as an at-home dad. I did laundry, changed diapers, volunteered at school, and coached baseball and soccer.

In 1997, we were sent to Bainbridge Island. In 1999, I returned to work as a senior accountant for King County. The work was stressful but my co-workers made it worthwhile. In 2003 I experienced a change in health and in March 2005 I was diagnosed with melanoma.

In the ensuing years, I received many gifts of love. My wife guided me through a confusing world of hospitals and possible treatments, dedicating her energy to fighting alongside me. I was blessed to have the attention of three deeply caring doctors, Gregory Keyes, Henry Kaplan, and Walter Urba who have been extraordinary over these past few years. Each moment I have been given was a gift and without my wife and these doctors I would have been quickly lost.

Our understanding of our biology is small and, while growing, is largely incomplete. I have enjoyed these days, with a keen appreciation for each moment with my wife and sons. I am confident that my sons will travel further in life than I ever dreamed.

My wife, Sharon, and my children, Michael and his wife Taryn, Nick, Jordan, Ben and Kramer survive me. There are, of course, many other friends and relatives. My Catholic faith provided me a vehicle for expressing all that I believe about God’s earth. As Father Godley said, “It’s in God’s hands.” So it is and will always be.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. Funeral arrangements are in care of Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online the Guest Book for the family.

Warren married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Leland married HERSLIP, Mathilda on 10 Aug 1946 in King, Washington, USA, and was divorced in 1965 in Grandview, Yakima, Washington, USA. Mathilda (daughter of HERSLIP, Henry and ZURCHER, Martha) was born on 18 Apr 1915 in Russell, Bottineau, North Dakota, USA; died on 20 Nov 2005 in Bainbridge Island, Kitsap, Washington, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mathilda Aitken, our Mother, Mathilda Aitken April 18, 1915 - November 20, 2005. Tillie passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at home where she lived with her son and his wife, Warren Hudgens and Sharon Murphy.

Nana lived with Warren and Sharon for the past five years, with their five sons and two dogs. We believe her life was extended and enriched by the noise and voices of a busy household. Her daughter Susan and granddaughter Darcy, both of Port Angeles, also visited frequently.

Our mother was born in Russell, North Dakota. Her father was taken when she was three in the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. Her mother, Martha, raised five children in a simple, harsh, rural setting. Through the kindness of her Uncle Christ Zurcher, Tillie was able to graduate from Minot State Teachers College.

She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, teaching all 12 grades. She left North Dakota after the death of her first husband, Charlie, arriving in Seattle in 1945. She attended the University of Washington to further her education, majoring in history, and worked at the Frederick & Nelson credit department. She married Leland Hudgens in 1946. They relocated to Grandview, Washington where she and Lee had two children, Susan and Warren.

In 1956, Tillie returned to teaching in the Grandview public schools. She taught 4th grade and, later, sophomore English and journalism. In 1965, upon her divorce from Lee, she and Warren moved to Seattle. (Susan was at Stanford University.) Tillie taught at Jane Addams Junior High until her retirement in 1977. At Jane Addams, Tillie began an innovative program to help 8th graders who had difficulty reading. She remained close to many of her fellow teachers throughout her retirement.

In 1973, Tillie married Melvin Aitken. They lived together in their Richmond Beach home for 27 years. Their home was a hub for holidays and for countless gatherings of family. They were also close to and assisted by many neighbors, including Julene and Dr. Gary Pyfer. Tillie and Mel enjoyed travel (Europe, Australia and annual sojourns to Palm Desert). Tillie became expert in the game of duplicate bridge, spending many enjoyable days at the Women’s University Club and, later, at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center, where she made many new friends. The quality of her play entitled her to the mantle of Life Master. Tillie was active in many groups and charities including the Children’s Hospital Guild, the Milk Fund and Women’s University Club. After a heart attack in October 2000, Tillie resolved to make a new life on Bainbridge Island with her son, Warren, daughter-in-law Sharon and her five grandsons, Michael, Nick, Jordan, Ben and Kramer. During this chapter, she also enjoyed frequent visits from Susan and her granddaughter, Darcy.

Tillie is also survived by sister, Helen Lindquist of Florida, sister-in-law Luella Deahl of North Dakota, stepsons David (Bonnie), John (Pat) and Jim (Ann) Aitken, many grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved Melvin passed away in June 2002. She is with him now. No memorial service is planned. Tillie is grateful to Warren’s wife Sharon, Dr. Greg Keyes, Hospice of Kitsap County, and Helen Kilbane for their loving care during her final days. Remembrances may be made to Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145.

Arrangements entrusted to Kass & Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island.

Major married PENNINGTON, Okie L. Okie (daughter of PENNINGTON, William G) was born on 5 Nov 1880 in Indiana, USA; died on 22 Mar 1963 in Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, USA; was buried in Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married ZURCHER, Martha about 1912. Martha was born on 12 Jul 1892 in Switzerland; died on 19 Mar 1979 in Bottineau County, North Dakota, United States of America; was buried in Minot, Ward County, North Dakota, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]