Jay Clifford Hudson

On Dec. 2, Jay Clifford Hudson, 52, of Hudson Air Service, passed away at Alaska Native Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

The oldest of four children, he leaves his father Cliff, his mother Ollie, three brothers, Bruce, Chuck and Scott, and his two precious sons, Dustin and Clifford, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his uncles Allan Dahl, Dusty Robson and many cousins.

Born in Palmer and raised in Talkeetna, Jay graduated from Susitna Valley High. He was the first newspaper boy, and learned to fly from his father’s lap. He soloed at the age of 16, the youngest at that time in the state of Alaska. From a pioneering family of Alaska bush pilots, Jay became well-known and highly respected throughout the flying world. He participated in many Denali mountain rescues and was awarded for his services, his safety, and his concern for those in need.

He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends, and the large community of climbers and pilots whose lives he touched.

A funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Church of the Rock in Talkeetna followed by a graveside service at the Talkeetna Cemetery.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.