Deceased Brethren

Walter Maxwell Hudson (died 1970, aged 66) was a Duncan businessman who also served on Duncan City Council and with the Duncan Volunteer Fire Department. He is associated with several historic buildings in downtown Duncan, including the Hudson Block, 101 Craig Street and 187 Kenneth Street.

Walter Maxwell Hudson in 1939 (photo courtesy of Duncan Volunteer Fire Department)
Walter Maxwell Hudson in 1939 (photo courtesy of Duncan Volunteer Fire Department)

Walter Maxwell Hudson became a member of Temple Lodge, No.33 in 1936 and remained a member until his death in 1970.

The Hudson Block, Station Street, Duncan, B.C. Named for temple Lodge, No.33 member Walter Maxwell Hudson
The Hudson Block, Station Street, Duncan, B.C. Named for Temple Lodge, No.33 member Walter Maxwell Hudson
101 Craig Street, Duncan, B.C. Built circa 1893 by Christopher Dobson for his wheelwright business
101 Craig Street, Duncan, B.C. Built circa 1893 by Christopher Dobson for his wheelwright business. Later owned by Walter Maxwell Hudson, who used it as Hudson’s Hardware.
187 Craig Street was purchased by Walter Maxwell Hudson and re-fitted to its original use as a bowling alley.
187 Kenneth Street was purchased by Walter Maxwell Hudson and re-fitted to its original use as a bowling alley.

Here is some biographical information on Bro. Walter Hudson:

“Former Duncan businessman and alderman of the city, Walter Maxwell Hudson, died in Cowichan District Hospital Friday at 66 years of age.

Mr. Hudson was born in Cumberland and came to live in the Cowichan Valley in 1930, when he first operated the Greenhaven Cafe. He later bought and refurbished the building [note: in which the Greenhaven Cafe was located], which now known as the Hudson Block.

His next business enterprise was Hudson’s Hardware, which he sold when he retired in 1963. Mr. Hudson was a former alderman for the city of Duncan and an honorary member of its fire department.

He was also active in other community affairs; a member of the Duncan Rotary Club, Temple Lodge AF & AM, Maple Bay Yacht Club, Cowichan Golf and Country Club, Cowichan Rugby Club and Sunset Chapter, No. 44 Order of the Eastern Star.

Surviving Mr. Hudson are his wife Agnes; a son, Byron, at home, and a daughter, Mrs. Eric (Barbara) Duncan, who has returned here from Hawaii; one brother, Wilbur, Comox; a sister, Mrs. Alex Davison, Ucluelet.

Rev. P.K. Louie conducted funeral services from Hirst Funeral Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Services terminated at the chapel. Cremation followed.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader. from Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives collections)

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