A Banbridge great grandfather who once worked on the world famous ‘The Canberra’ ship at Harland and Wolff passed away suddenly.
Ronald Hudson, or Ronnie as he was affectionately known, of Brookdale died on Thursday, April 16.
Born in Laurencetown, Ronnie attended Milltown School and after leaving school he served as a painter and decorator.
He worked for a time in England where he met his wife, Enid and when he returned to Banbridge he went to work at the shipyard. He also worked at Hilden Mill and later at NIE where he stayed until he took early retirement.
He joined the Ulster Defence Regiment and became a Lance Corporal. He represented the UDR at Bisley, shooting rifles.
Ronnie, was a member of Tandragee Golf Cub and among some of his many pasttimes was making decorative walking sticks. He also enjoyed fishing and playing darts. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family.
He is survived by wife Enid, sons Gary, Alan and Ronnie, daughters Annette, Carol, Marion and Lynne, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 12 grandchildren, one great grandson Charlie and nephew Maurice.
The funeral took place recently from William Bell and Co. Funeral Home with many mourners standing outside.
His minister Rev. Roderic West conducted the service and paid a fitting tribute to Ronnie’s life. The hymns ‘Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us’ and ‘Abide With Me’ were sung. Miss Margaret Stevenson presided at the organ. Interment took place afterwards in the New Cemetery.