Arlin Guy Hudson

Arlin had a large family, many friends and led a full and vibrant life. He made friends easily and could talk to just about anyone on just about anything. Loyalty was Arlin’s defining trait and he maintained several friendships for decades. Arlin loved to hike, sail, water ski, snow ski, golf, hunt, fish, ride dirt bikes, travel and engage in spirited discussions, especially over a pint.

Arlin was born in Medford, OR to MSgt. (USAF) Alvin Guy and Cpl. Maude Irene Phillips Hudson (USAF) on June 8, 1949. Arlin was the sixth of eight children of his father and the second of four children of his mother. He is the first sibling to pass away.

Arlin’s family moved from Medford to Hickam Field at Pearl Harbor, HI in 1952, to Edwards Air Force Base, CA in 1954, to Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, OR in 1959 and near Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane WA in 1965. Arlin graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1967.

He attended Washington State University in a Surveying program when he received his Draft Number. He decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969. He received Basic Training at Camp Pendleton, CA and served 18 months in Vietnam with the 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines as a sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged, but developed diabetes mellitus from exposure to Agent Orange while in-country.

After his discharge from military service, Arlin became involved in the Christian peace movement, where he met Lynn Strauhal in 1974. They were married in 1975. Arlin and Lynn both attended University of Washington, where Arlin studied Construction Engineering & Management and Lynn studied Nursing. They moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1980, where both of their daughters, Rachel and Megan, were born. Arlin built homes and worked in Sales. They moved back to Spokane in 1989. Arlin and Lynn divorced in 2000.

Arlin married, Amy Bessant Balderas, formerly of Sandy, OR, in December 27, 2007 in Spokane. They made their home in Mead, WA. They enjoyed playing cards at the local V.F.W., the outdoors, especially boating, and spending time with family.

Arlin was very active in staying in touch with members of his Platoon and attended several reunions. He also financially supported the National Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Arlin is survived by his wife, Amy Hudson of Spokane and his two daughters, Rachel Hudson of Spokane and Megan Hudson Dimeling of Seattle. He is also survived by his siblings Doug Hudson of San Marcos, CA, Sidney Hudson of Piercy, CA, Donald Hudson of New London, WI, Diane Hudson-Price of Hanford, CA, Richard Hudson Sr., of Cornville, AZ, Daryl (Chris) Hudson of Denver, CO and Barbara Hudson-Hanley of Corvallis, OR. He is survived by many cousins, including Jerry Beall-Bjur of Yakima, WA and several nieces and nephews, including Amanda Hudson-Mularkey of Flagstaff, AZ, Tylor Hudson of Joplin, MO, Kyle Hanley of Corvallis, OR, Joshua Hudson of Denver, CO and Rick Hudson II of Cottonwood, AZ. Arlin was happily awaiting the arrival of his first granddaughter in February, 2016.

Both of his parents, his nephew, Richard Hudson, Jr, and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins precede Arlin in death.

A memorial service for Arlin will be on Sunday, October 4, at 11:30am at the Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 North Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99201. A military burial will take place at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N. Government Way, Spokane at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of Arlin’s life will be begin at 3:00pm at Arlin’s favorite pub, O’Doherty’s Irish Grille, 525 W Spokane Falls, Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends making donations in Arlin’s memory to your local V.F.W, the National Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (www.marineheritage.org) or to the charity of your choice.