Darryl “Butch” Hudy passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at the age of 72 years.
Butch was born Feb. 8, 1954, in Melville, SK, where he was raised. He kept busy with hockey, football, the militia, cruising around and listening to 8-tracks, and collecting LPs. Butch was a proud militia cadet, but getting home from basic summer training in Wainwright (and later Vernon) was an issue. But Butch was pretty resourceful and soon realized that hitchhiking wearing his uniform guaranteed a ride. There was not a single parent who would not stop for these young men. He always arrived home safe and well fed.
Butch also worked various jobs, including driving school bus and working at Townsend Funeral Home. He eventually hired on to the railroad and worked for CN Rail for 35 years until his retirement in 2009.
It was in high school that Butch met the love of his life, Gwen Schindel. One day, her beautiful yellow dress caught his eye, and he always said it was love at first sight. She was immediately swept off her feet, and they were never apart again. They were married in 1975 and spent more than five decades together, celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary on Aug. 16, 2026. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, friendship, and countless memories.
In 1988, with the help of his father, and many good friends, Butch built a cabin at Crooked Lake. It was his pride and joy, and every inch reflected his hard work and handiwork. Butch, Gwen, Sara and Steven enjoyed many amazing summers at the cabin until Butch and Gwen made the lake their permanent home in 2001.
Butch always said Crooked Lake was the most beautiful place on earth and wondered why anyone would want to go anywhere else. He rarely did. He loved every season there fishing, boating, golfing, working on endless projects, and enjoying a good happy hour. One of his greatest joys was sharing the lake with his four grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He taught each of them to fish and proudly mounted their first catches on the wall.
Butch was also incredibly fortunate to have a remarkable group of close, lifelong friends. That kind of friendship is rare, and it meant so much to him. To all his friends, we hope you know how special you were to Butch. The stories, laughs, adventures, and good times you shared with him were some of the greatest gifts of his life.
Butch was predeceased by his parents, Joy and Steve Hudy, and brother-in-law Gerald “Chuck” Newmeyer. He leaves to mourn: his beloved wife, Gwen; daughter Sara (Kevin) McLeod and granddaughters Fiona and Carys; son Steven (Melissa) Hudy and grandsons Jack and Blake; sister Marsha (Darryl) McCallum; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Butch will be remembered for his strength, hardworking hands, loyalty to his friends, love of Crooked Lake, and, most of all, his love and devotion to his family. His legacy is the life he built with Gwen, the family they raised, the home he created, the friendships he cherished, and the memories he leaves behind.
While he will be deeply missed, we can picture Butch where he was happiest at Crooked Lake, surrounded by family and good friends.
Butch’s life was celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Melville, with
interment taking place at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
