Todd Hudson 1963-2017

Todd Hudson, 53

1963-2017

Todd Hudson, 53, was born to Roger and Barbara Hudson in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Aug. 7, 1963. It has been confirmed that Todd’s first two words were “pickle” and “onion.” Todd began working with his dad, Roger, and brother, Steve, at Hudson’s Hamburgers the day he proved to Roger that he could see over the counter.

Growing up in Coeur d’Alene, Todd enjoyed spending time with his family at their cabin on the lake. He also loved sports, watching them and playing them. Todd graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1982 and attended University of Idaho. In college, Todd was a member of the Pike House fraternity. He made many friends, including his lifelong friend, Chris Neary.

Stretching his wings from the family business Todd worked in D.C., Seattle and many other cities in between. Todd even ventured to Alaska for six months to work on a fishing boat. Tired of the cold, Todd then moved to Southern California and swears that he did not wear shoes for an entire year.

Knowing his heart belonged in Coeur d’Alene and behind the “lunch” counter at Hudson’s, Todd returned home in 1993.

One day in 1993, a beautiful woman walked into Hudson’s and asked, “Hey Todd, do you remember me?” It was Joni Hossack, the girl who had written him a love letter in their sixth-grade class. They began dating and after three years, Todd gathered Joni and her two children, Rashae and Dawson, and asked them together if he could marry their mother. Todd and Joni married on Aug. 30, 1997. During several family meetings, Rashae and Dawson expressed their desire for a sibling. The family of four became a family of five when their daughter Cassie, the “light of Todd’s life,” was born.

Cassie shared, “I have so many great memories with my dad from when I was a little girl. He would always take me to Disneyland, just the two of us. My whole childhood was spent with him, and I would not change it for the world,”

Todd worked incredibly hard at Hudson’s, and just as hard at having fun. Todd loved to play golf, jet ski, drive his sports car, and spend time with his family at the cabin on Coeur d’Alene Lake. Todd’s other hobbies were flying with Carl, playing Golden Tee at Caddyshack, golf trips with his buddies, having lunch with his girlfriends and traveling. Two of his most memorable trips were with his mother, Barbara, to Italy and Africa.

Although exercise was not his favorite activity, Todd learned to enjoy his 5:30 a.m. workouts only after it was promised that the plyometrics would help his golf swing. He also enjoyed having coffee and great conversations with his gym buddies afterward.

Todd and his brother, Steve, spent a considerable amount of time owning and operating Hudson’s. They also enjoyed playing golf together. One of Todd’s most rewarding gestures was to follow Steve’s Pac-12 officiating career. As his biggest fan, Todd would take photos of Steve in action, frame them, and brag to his friends about his brother’s career.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Roger Hudson.

Todd is survived by his wife, Joni Hudson, and children, Rashae Williams, Dawson Williams and Cassie Hudson; mother Barbara Hudson; brother Steve Hudson; sister-in-law Julie Hudson; brother-in-law Tucker Hossack; aunt Kay Butler; uncle Paul Walters (Maryandra); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, at the Hagadone Event Center, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, loving gifts of donation can be sent in support of: The Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, or the Todd Hudson Family at Washington Trust Bank, 218 Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

People may sign Todd’s guest book at yatesfuneralhomes.com.