Donald G. Hudson

Newburyport - Donald G. Hudson, a life-long resident of Newbury and Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully August 3rd,  five weeks past his 93rd birthday.                                     

Donald was born in his family home on Hanover Street in Newbury, on June 27, 1923. He was the youngest of Arthur and Almeda (Nason) Hudson’s seven children. He attended the Woodbridge School, walked home for lunch, and often had to run back when his teacher rang the hand-bell and called, “Hurry back to school, Donald." He graduated from Newburyport High School in 1940 and attended Governor Dummer Academy for a year before being accepted as a student at MIT. But as the United States was becoming involved in World War II, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee instead of attending college. While stationed in Paris, he learned to speak French.  It was also at this time that he committed his life to Jesus Christ.  He faithfully maintained this commitment throughout his lifetime.

Before shipping out to France, Don married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jean Plouff, of Newburyport, on May 28,1944.  They had a wonderful marriage just 3 months short of 70 years, when Jean passed away in February of 2014.  Don and Jean were longtime members of Byfield Parish Church in Georgetown, where Don was an elder for many years.

Don started his carpentry career as a cabinet maker for boats at the Balsar shipyard in Newburyport, and later built “Turnabout” sailboats and served as manager at the Parker River Marina. He built his own home on Scotland Road, Newbury, and subsequently acquired, renovated, and sold many houses in Newburyport. He and Jean will be remembered for their Christian bookstore, "The Prospector," which started on Prospect Street and later moved to Pleasant Street.  

Don is survived by his three children — Paula Hudson Chambers and her husband, Karl Dennis Chambers of Newburyport; Donald Philip Hudson and his wife, Robin Derum Hudson, of Merrimac, MA; and Laurel Jean Hudson and her husband, John Alan Clark of Chestnut Hill and Rockport, MA. He is also survived by loving granddaughters and precious great-grandchildren.

Don was highly respected for his wisdom, his integrity, his exemplary marriage and his devotion to God.  He was admired for his vast experience and skill as a carpenter.  He honored everyone he met by giving them his focused attention, and he delighted them with his creative and clever use of words.  How he will be missed! 

Family and friends are invited to Donald’s funeral service at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday August 7, 2016 at Byfield Parish Church 132 Jackman St. Georgetown, followed by burial at South Byfield Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the service from 1:30 to 2:30 at the church. The Twomey LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Hudson’s family with his funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald G. Hudson's name to the Byfield Parish Church Capital Improvement Fund, 132 Jackman Street, Georgetown, MA 01833, or to the American Bible Society, PO Box 96812, Washington, DC 20077-7683.

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