Norwood Richardson Hudson

Norwood Richardson “Rick” Hudson of Ellicott City, Maryland passed away on November 13, 2023, at the age of 79 at Paradise Assisted Living/Memory Care in Catonsville, Maryland. Rick was born on March 29, 1944 to the late Coleman and Mabel “Bee” Hudson (nee Elam) in Lexington, Kentucky. Rick was the fourth of seven children born to Bee: Wilhelmina “Willie” Hogan, Helen Ashley (Frank), Robert “Butch” Fain (Mary), Rick, Charlene “Char” Beach (George), Lillian “Lil” Stewart (Richard), and Burma Raab (Charles).

When Rick was six years old his family moved to Maryland when his father took a job at Allied Chemical Company in Baltimore. While living in Baltimore Rick attended vocational-technical school for a time, but dropped out to pursue entrepreneurial interests. In the early 1960s Rick worked with his brother-in-law George Beach who introduced him to the roofing and siding trade.

Rick married Rose Patterson in 1962. That union produced Richard “Ricky”, twins Robert and Robin, and Ronald “Ronnie”. Rick married the love of his life, Donna Buckholtz, in 1982. That union produced Ashley and Michael and lasted 41 years until his passing.

Rick held a variety of jobs, but he found his calling in roofing. He worked as lead roofer for the Howard County Board of Education for about 10 years. In 1984 Rick decided it was time to quit working for the county and work for himself full-time instead of just on weekends, and so R. Hudson & Sons was born. Rick dedicated his time and expertise to the business until 2020. He was committed to his construction business for over 35 years, expanding from roofing to overall home improvements and renovations. His many loyal customers considered Rick to be a hard-working, attention-detailed, honest man. He was also somewhat of a perfectionist, a characteristic that really irritated a lot of his employees (including his wife/office manager Donna!). He was committed to providing the best job possible for his customers. 

Rick's personality was best described as introverted, honest, warmhearted, loving, caring, and generous. He literally would have given the shirt off his back if someone needed it. Rick loved his family and all its extensions.

In his free time, Rick enjoyed various hobbies, including walking, jogging, hunting, fishing, gardening, weightlifting, photography, puzzles, arts and crafts, and journaling to name a few. These activities brought him joy and allowed him to connect with nature and those around him.

Rick is survived by his wife Donna and his children: Ricky (Jennifer), Robert, Robin Joswick (Rick), Ronnie, Ashley, and Michael. He leaves behind his sisters Char and Burma; eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Laura, Angela, Tiffany, Tabatha, Hannah, Cole, and Caydon; and ten great-grandchildren: Erik, Alexis (Lexi), Brianna, Brian Jr., Kevin, Kaylee, Kamden, Kody, Angel, and Lily. 

In addition to his parents, Rick is preceded in death by siblings Willie, Butch, Helen, and Lil. 

A viewing/memorial to honor Rick's life will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home, located at 1411 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD 21113, on November 25, 2023 from 11am - 3pm. The viewing will be from 11am -1pm to be followed immediately by the service.

Rick will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

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