Neil was born in Los Angeles, CA and attended school in Alhambra, CA. After high school, Neil would make his first trip of many when he traveled in his VW van through Europe including Russia. He later received his Bachelor of Arts and teaching credentials from California State University, Los Angeles. He did his post graduate work in Geology at San Francisco State University. Being a born adventurer, Neil spent some time in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula teaching English. Some years later, he moved to Oakdale, CA and from 1970 to 1983 taught fourth grade at Dent Elementary School and science at El Portal Middle School in Escalon. Ever since childhood, Neil had a deep passion for photography. In 1980, he opened Hudson Photography in Oakdale which continues to operate to this day.

His love for photography began when he was a teenager working for the school newspaper. He made his first darkroom from a refrigerator crate at the age of 13. Neil was a people person, a trait clearly reflected in his multitude of individual, family, and group portraits taken in his studio, at schools, and countless other locales. He was awarded The Stanislaus Art Council Excellence in Arts for Photography. His spirit for travel took him to six continents with his wife Sofia. Because he was such a friendly, outgoing man he made and kept friends from around the world.

Neil was a man of many interests: classical music, opera, speed skating, skiing, kayaking, and cycling. Neil worked on many social justice issues some of which included advocating for local water conservation, supporting environmental causes, and assisting in bringing medical equipment to various regions of Africa. He was past president of the Central Valley Democratic Club and a member of the Sierra Club. He enjoyed making people laugh and enlivened parties with a few of his choice jokes.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Frances Smith Hudson and his brother, Robert Hudson. He will be missed by his wife of 46 years, Sofia Hudson; his son, Mark Hudson of Galt, CA; and his nephew, Douglas Hudson of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

A celebration of life will be held December 17, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the FES Hall, 190 N. Lee Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361.

Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to Modesto Youth Symphony, 911 13th St., Modesto, CA 95354.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Dec. 5, 2018