Brockville – Burnbrea Farms’ co-founder Joe Hudson passed away on Thursday in Lyn. He was 94.
Hudson changed the face of egg farming in Canada and was a visionary and a legend in agricultural circles.
Together with his brother, Grant, Joe transformed the family farm from a dairy farm to the egg business it is today. A visionary in the egg industry, he began with a high school project at Brockville Collegiate Institute and grew Burnbrae Farms into a national business. He took it coast-to-coast, which was his dream. The many accolades he received during his lifetime from the agricultural community and the grocery sector are testimony to the impact he made throughout his career.
He was also a generous supporter of the Lyn and Brockville communities and beyond. He gave of his time, his expertise and his money. He was passionate about feeding people; in addition to supplying eggs to families across the country, local causes like Operation Harvest Sharing (now the Brockville Foodbank) were dear to his heart. He generously supported the Brockville General Hospital (where he was born) and the Brockville YMCA, among many other local and national causes. He co-founded the softball league in Lyn. For decades, he chaired the Hudson Burnbrae Foundation, which to this day continues to support many causes that are important to the family.
Today, his family carries on his legacy both in the business and in the community.
A lion of a man, Joe Hudson made his mark. He was a champion of his family, his business and his community. He will be missed.
“Deanna and I would like to express our sincere condolences on learning of the passing of Burnbrae Farms co-founder Joe Hudson. Joe changed the face of egg farming in Canada. Joe was a visionary and a legend in agricultural circles. I’m proud to have known him and his amazing family since my teens. Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Please keep the Hudson Family and Burnbrae Farms in your thoughts. Rest in Peace Joe” said MPP Steve Clark on his Facebook page.
“Joe Hudson started with a couple of laying hens, grew an iconic brand in Burnbrae Farms, raised a beautiful family, and was a community champion all the while. Mr. Hudson passed away this morning at 94 years old. I want to share my condolences with the Hudson family and everyone who knew Joe.” said MP Michael Barrett on his Facebook page.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, 4 James Street East, Brockville on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and Friday, March 22, 2024, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Christ United Church in Lyn on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1 pm followed by a graveside service and interment at Lyn Cemetery, immediately following the service.
Officers and members of the Lyn Masonic Lodge No. 416 will gather for a memorial service on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 6 pm.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Christ United Church, Lyn, the Brockville Foodbank, the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation or Brockville and District Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care will be gratefully acknowledged.
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