 Andy Hudson |
Andrew K. Hudson was the first of five children born to Dennis Leroy and Alice Payne Hudson in Denver, CO on October 2, 1920. Andrew married his high school sweetheart Electra in 1938. Andy was known as the “golden boy” of Colorado as described by John Rayburn, former Channel 9 news commentator, when it came time to play a game of 9-ball, Andy was a pool shark! Those who knew Andy knew of this passion. He began teaching pocket billiards in 1974 at the Physical Education Department of Metro State College. With this position, he innovated the game of pool for many students opening up the game to woman, which used to be a man's game. He also introduced and instructed pocket billiards to players at the Family Fun Center, and introduced the game as a family sport. Andy was a member of the Commerce City Recreation Center. He always took first place in pocket billiards at the Colorado Senior Games. Andy was also an avid golfer and bowler.
Andy was passionate about many community causes and would give his time to help in anyway he could. He was a Teachers Assistant for Reading at the 24th Street School. He was his Swinging 30's Class Treasurer. Andy was a member of the Park Hill Leisure Club. As a devout Catholic, he was a dedicated member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, devoted to assisting his brothers and sisters in Christ, ready to give spiritual guidance when needed. He loved the Lord. Andy was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, a good neighbor, and an all around great human being. He was an avid reader. He was a polished gentleman and was much loved by our community. Andy had “never met a stranger.”
In April of 1988 in the Colorado Billiards News, Jonesy wrote:
In the last month I had the privilege to interview one of Colorado's top players. For over, four decades, the name “Andy Hudson” has struck fear in the heart of pool players all over America. Born in Denver 67 years ago, and Andy has been playing pool for over 50 years and is nothing short of a true gentleman. He is also one of the nicest people you could ever meet and one of the most knowledgeable players I have ever seen play. Denver should be proud to say that Andy is a “home grown son.” Thanks Andy, for all the thrills….Your a true champ.
Andy's favorite game was one-pocket, his favorite place to play was The Family Fun Center, he practiced three hours a day – five days a week, he played pool with a hustler cue, and was asked in this interview what is the biggest mistake that amateurs make playing pool? Andy's answer: “They don't keep their eye on the object ball”- you can take that advice to the bank!
For some of you players that did not get the honor to meet Andy- stop by Hank's Billiards (formally know as Paradise Billiards or The Family Fun Center) and ask any of the veterans and they will only have great stories of Andy Hudson. When I was 24 years old I was blessed to play Andy everyday at the same time at the same place “The Family Fun Center.” I have to say I learned a lot from playing Andy- I would miss him dearly. He was an ICON to pool and Colorado! God bless Andy!
