Dear all,

On behalf of Richard's family they would like to extend their thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of beautiful messages that you have all contributed to the site.

It has been quite overwhelming and such a comfort knowing that he touched and had an impact on so many people's lives. We know we are all better people for having had him in our lives.

Many thanks
Richard's (Rock & Huddo) family

Your infectious laugh and wicked sense of humour made some dull days all the brighter. You will be sorely missed on the team. Thanks for the laughs and the memories. Rest in Peace, Dee Irish

Richard, it has been a privilege. Rest in peace mate. You will be missed.
Ken

Richard Hudson

I am honored and humbled to be speaking today on behalf of Richards IHG family many of whom are here today but all of whom will be raising a glass of red in Huddo’s honor.

For all of us past and present from IHG there was no such thing as being a colleague of Huddo’s and there was certainly no such thing as being a boss, that is not how Huddo saw us and that is certainly not how we saw Huddo... put simply, we were friends.

Huddo had this extraordinary ability to charm and disarm making everyone feel equal, important and most of all cared for. No conversation ever started with work nor did it end with work, you were always totally engaged from the first word and usually in hysterics by the second; how's the family, how's you, how are the kids, how's your love life, did you watch the game on weekend, how big was that fish you caught on the weekend and so on. Inevitably conversation would always turn to his family for as much as Huddo cared for others he was also just as open with the love he had for his wife Meripa, family and how immensely proud he was of his daughter Natasha. More often than not there was no work discussed at all he was simply checking in, showing he cared, in true Huddo style.

On those occasions when we did get down to work the conversation would be no less hilarious. Annual goals was a document that got printed once a year and used as the desk coffee coaster for the rest, targets were those bags full of sand and performance was the routine on the dance floor in the bar the night before. Huddo had no use for or reason to conform to the typical corporate way of working and for my part that is what I loved most about him, his ability to bring his genuine, caring and humorous approach to all he did, when they built Huddo they broke the mould.

And like his IHG friends there was also no such thing as a client in Huddo’s world again there were only friends, many of whom are here today. Huddo's care and love for those he did business with was extraordinary, he worked tirelessly to balance the needs of the business and those of his clients, and in a rapidly changing environment Huddo stayed true to what I think would be one of his defining principles, look after your friends and they will look after you...you only had to be on the tradeshow floor at TRENZ New Zealand's major industry event when Richard Hudson, aka Huddo, aka the Rock walked into the room...it was then you truly knew you were in the presence of an extraordinary man... I swear I could hear a murmur Rock is in the house, Rock is in the house and I swear you could feel a wave of fun and laughter move through the hall... I honestly don't think there was anyone more loved across our industry nor will there be again.

When it came to putting down in words a closing paragraph it was just too difficult, tears would start flowing and I couldn’t get past the first few words. So I decided not to write one.......but then some words sprung to mind, I then realised the words belonged to a song, a movie soundtrack in fact..... That then led me to think about that movie and the video clip to the song....and that made me smile and think of Huddo.....

So here are my closing words....

To know him, is to love him!!!!!!!

With love from Jenny Morrell and the entire IHG Family. xxxx

Richard was one of the biggest characters in the NZ tourism industry. A larger than life gentle giant. We had a running joke over the years that he was Meatloaf and I was Celine Dion - we would have ruled the world of music! He had a genuinely warm heart and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Meat xxxx

Wow Huddy you are so going to be missed, just looking at your photos and reading the tributes speaks for what an amazingly fun, funny, warm, generous and kind man you will always be to anyone who knew you. Fun is my word mostly, that is how I think of you and remember you! Such an awesome guy. I am sorry you had to leave this world so early, Steph, Dave, Jerome and Aspen's lives are richer for knowing you and what you taught them and all of us. Live Life to the Fullest. RIP Huddy, love to Natasha and Meripa, and Aprille, the mother of the beautiful daughter you brought into this world. Love and Blessings x x x.

Rocky/D.O.M... This sense of loss and grief will be a long hard road for us all however I am eternally grateful to have had you in my life and to count you as a dear friend. Heaven is certainly shining an awful lot brighter.

I feel honoured to have met the lights of your life today, Tash and Meripa and share those special memories with your nearest and dearest.

Rocky, you were one of my best mates in this amazing industry and looked out for me like a second Dad, memories that I will always treasure. Here's to you my dear friend! If only I could hear that horrid nickname (that you knew drove me absolutely mad) down the phone or across a function room one more time... Panties aka Lloydie-Pants (Tash) xx

Huddo, you are truly a great man, gone too soon and will be forever missed. Great times were had at IHG Welly and these will always be treasured. Now with the angels in heaven. RIP xxx Jo

Oh Richie Rich, I cant believe you've left us... But its time for you to fly high up there spread your joy, love and soulful laugh. You will be missed by all the lives you' ve touched!!! Thanks for making me fall in love with chocolate dipped strawberries and bubbles. Rest in peace my dear friend... Love Cilla xx

Richard, such sad news, you will be missed by many. Thanks for the copious amounts of advice, encouragement and good humour, you were the absolute bright star around the office. Rest easy xx

Huddy, my mate of 35 years, these tributes sum up the person you were, the greatest person I have known in my lifetime.Always there in good times and bad and my life would definitly not be as joyful and happy if you had not walked into Air New Zealand those many years ago. We connected immediately and our friendship just got stronger and stronger over the years. I feel your spirit all around me and i know you will never really leave , you are too close to my heart for that.Of the thousands of wonderful, funny times together the memory of watching the World cup Final in Auckland together will remain in my mind forever. My head buried in your large chest in those last 10 minutes reassuring me that it would be alright, the All Blacks would pull through like a metaphor for life as you were always my rock and if huddy said it was okay then that was good enough for me. Words cannot describe how much I loved you through all those years. Every drink together, every phone conversation I came away always with a smile and my heart was gladdened. Wow, the ability you had to do this was your real genius, and you touched so many souls. My mission in this life is far from over but when it is i know you will be there for me again as the true mate you were.

Huddo - You were a great man! You always made me laugh - especially when we schlepping the street of Christchurch doing sales calls or crazy TRENZ nights with Thacks & Ms Moore!
Thanks for the great memories and it was such a pleasure to know you!
Simon J

Rock, New Zealand Tourism just won't be the same without you !!....you're energy and zest for life was infectious and uplifting. I feel honoured and blessed to have worked with you. Rest easy .....Blair

Hey Rock - we (Walter, Lynda and Jim Moore in Queenstown) all toasted you when we heard the news adn the shared stories about our best times with you. I'll miss you at our industry functions and it was a pleasure knowing you. Rest in peace!

Richard you were a great industry friend to me. I enjoyed our regular drinkies where we problem solved and laughed and laughed. I will be always grateful for you coming to visit me just before your treatment and having a big hug. Your one of the great people in my life. Rest now my friend. Sharon xx

Rock, with that larger than life smile and infectious laugh you will be sadly missed my friend, RIP, Brendan

One of Life's gentlemen
Farewell Rocky

Goodspeed Huddy... know that you will be missed

Wally

Huddo. Your infecious laughter and love for life is what you will be remembered for. You were such a darling and always offered hugs and good jests about rugby and how wonderful NZ was. I shall miss your sweet smile and being such a true part of our team. I am also thinking of your wife and precious daughter and pray they are surrounded by love and family in this tough time. God bless and have fun up there. Candice Pether.

Rock, my man. Can't believe you 'checked-out' early as we had you staying with us for much longer :-) You're within the cancellation period too mate so sorry no refunds. Rock, you were a champion of a man, the industry has lost a stalwart and we have all lost a very special friend. Can't believe you have gone buddy. Go well mate. Martin

To our dearest Richard.

Words just cannot authenticate all the thoughts, emotions and sadness we are all feeling right now. I think I can talk for everyone when I say, we are all extremely devastated. Your story got wrongly changed last minute.

You listened with 100% concentrated attention, and with that ‘rare trait’ you were always able to offer the right advice. (Come to think of it, you were my sponge lol)...

No matter what was going on in YOUR life, you ALWAYS put everyone else first.

You always had a big smile, they happen in a flash, but the memories will now last forever.

You were there, you were Loyal.

RIP my dear friend xx

x deb

Oh Richard – what a great loss this is to everyone who knew and worked with you in this amazing industry. There are no words to describe your professionalism, sense of fun, your dedication, your “ leave it with me honey and I’ll get it sorted” approach. We all laughed with you and sometimes at you, loved you, hugged you, admired you and shared many great times and memories together. No more will I hear your amazing cheery voice smiling and saying “Hi Maus, how are you and how are the girls”. Remembering a fabulous guy with great fondness who will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family, friends and his IHG colleagues.
Richard - you will be missed. RIP. xx
                                                   Maus

Oh Huddy. You have left your memories and love with so many people. Aspen was a long long time ago eh? We were all so young and fresh faced. And through our dear dear friends Steph and Dave we got to catch up every now and then. Always a big hug and lots of laughter surrounded you. Thank you for takin ing me to see Dido many years ago. Ever the gentleman you were. We had a laugh. My heart and love goes out to Meripa, Natasha and Aprille and to all your family. It was a pleasure to have known you Huddy. Have fun wherever you are. I'm sure all the Aspenites will catch up in the forever mountains one day. Love Shelley xx

Huudy
Sorry to hear of your passing.
It's been a while since we had a beer or three, but doesnt lessen the fond memories of the fun had in years gone by.
The next time our old group from Wellington gets together, we will toast an absent friend.

RIP

Pj.

Such sad news. Great memories of working with you. Always made time for people, always smiling and positive. I can still hear you laugh. Rest in peace Richard x

Rocky!! Mate... your smile always lit up any room. Your raised eye brow greeting from one side of the room... backed up by a raise of the drink you were holding would always make me smile. I am hurt and saddened by this news! It was an absolute pleasure knowing you bro. My sincere sympathy goes to all of your closest friends and family. Cess :( RIP Rocky!

What a sad news to be heard, the path we have crossed will definitely be cherished within me. RIP, you are now in the better place. I am truly honor to know you.

Benz

Richard aka Rocky, I still can't believe this news, il never forget your loud bellowing voice that could be heard from the other side of the office, or your little fridge of treats (lots of wine!) that we enjoyed on Friday afternoons. You were one of a kind, always so much fun to be around and just an all round lovely guy. You will be missed. Gone too soon..... Thinking of you and best wishes to your family. I will have a nice glass of Pinot for you. Amy xx

Devastating loss for the IHG family. Rest in peace Huddo xx Gina

Rock, you had a heart of gold. Cant believe the news... what a loss! Condolences to the family. I am sure you are at a better place... RIP!

Huddy, my god father was such an amazing, funny, heart warming human. He called me every single year on my birthday and Meripa and him sung happy birthday to me. I can't believe he's gone, it really doesn't feel like it because I know he's still here. My parents have lots of friends but Huddy was my favorite :) he was always a kid with me. I love you and you will be so incredibly missed. Rest in peace

Sad news about this gentle giant, the world has lost a great block. Rest in peace 'The Rock', we'll raise our 'hands in the air' for you one last time this Saturday. Condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace. Maria x

Rich...it was a blast! 
Your wicked sense of humour and the amazing way you knew when we needed a ROCK, is what I remember most about you. 
Thank you for all the laughs and the huge amount of support you shared without condition.
The world is a better place for your visit, now the angels have you stirring them up xxx

Huddy,
Will miss that great sense of humor and the laughs we had, Perrys 50th was you at your best.
Chopper and Hank

Rock, an absolute rockstar, one in a million! I still clearly remember meeting you for the first time at the Centra, I stopped in for one drink at your networking session and ended up having to book a room! Your love of life, infectious smile and professional approach to business is unique and you will be certainly be missed. It was an absolute pleasure to know you, work with you and share a laugh and more than a few drinks with you. May you rest in peace my friend. Michelle xxx

Dearest Richard, you were always part of the Metcalfe family. Mum and Dad loved you, you always organised special seats and priority baggage on their flights to Sydney which Audrey loved..thanks for that. You were the best friend to my beloved brother ...thanks for that. A great Dad to Tash..and always a fun guy to meet up with and have a laugh. The last photo I have of you is a cheeky one with your tongue in my ear !! Rest in Peace darling.

The world was a better place with you in it, Rocky. I'll remember the hugs, the smiles, the beers and the knowledge shared. Condolences to your family who have had their hopes of your recovery so suddenly dashed. When I see you next time I know you'll be 'laughing in the Purple Rain'. Go in peace, Wellington Jo

Richard - Sue and I were really sad to hear of your passing. Over the years at IHG you became a Rock. A very special person who was professional, always ready to help, who cared and always had a smile and a friendly comment to make.
You will be sadly missed. My condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.
Rest in Peace
Stuart

RIP Richard! We will miss you. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Elizabeth xx

So saddened to hear of your passing Richard. You were a wonderful character, full of life & laughter. You always gave me a chuckle.

Your spirit will be missed

RIP

Richard,

You always brought a smile to my face when ever I got the chance to catch up with you. You're cheerful personality was a delight. Thank you for all your advice and support at work, I am so privileged to have gotten the opportunity to know you. You will be missed greatly. Rest in peace my friend,

Love, Nancy

Richard, what an incredible loss, your number was called way too soon! I'll always remember the fun times working with you at IHG, our phone conversations & meetings were always a laugh a minute! The world was a much richer place having you in it, your way of being made everyone that interacted with you feel good. Never a dull moment, you will be missed. My sincere condolences go out to your family & loved ones. RIP until we meet again, Stacey xo

Ricardo - I struggle with the thought that you have gone... With tears in my eyes I remember all the amazing times we spent at work together and then I need to smile again. That was your magic way about you - if I was upset - sad - grumpy ... one call or smile from you changed that right away! You cared, you listened - you gave advise like I was a daughter. I will miss you forever! Thank you for being this amazing human being and being there for me. Lots of love from your Austrian daughter xxx

Huddo, I will miss our chats and working with such a funny, positive person. It has has been a pleasure working with you over the years, and you will be missed so very much. I will miss your smile and larger than life personality. Rest in peace my friend xx Jen (Ricey)

Rocky, I am moved beyond my expectations to hear you're gone. You were such an impactful person during my time in NZ and Ive just been sharing with my team here your humour and zest for life as well as your realism and just what a truly special bloke you were.
You'll be missed mate.

Matt

One of a kind, Mr Hudson, one of a kind. With a warm, funny, positive, and generous personality. Totally genuine too. The world's a lesser place without you. And we're all the richer for our association with you. Rest in peace. Anthony

King Huddo you will forever make me smile. Make sure you create as much havoc up there as you did down here! So much love Princess Moorea xxxx

Huddo,
Such a great man, one person that had an awesome spirit and always brought happiness to everyone . Even thought you are not longer with us, you will be in my memories as happy man and I will remember you with a smile in my face. RIP you will be missed Carmen XX

Rest in peace Richard. The industry and the company has lost one of its great characters. You will be sorely missed. David

Malo lava Uso, can't believe that's the last time I will type those words to you. So many wonderfully hilarious conversations we've had over the years about the things that really matter like Family and the All Blacks. Even though I only really got to see you on those short family holidays to Auckland, there was always time for a long lunch and a few beers. I will never forget your warm kindness and words of encouragement over the past year, even in the fight of your life you were always putting others before yourself. Fa'atai lava for those big bear hugs. Tofa soifua Ma'a, la manuia le malaga, O le a ou misi'ina oe, alofa atu my friend. xx Les.