Henry "Hank" Yudt

Henry J. Yudt, known as Hank, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 11, 1937. He passed away at his home in Portland, Oregon, on June 3, 2023, at age 85. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children Kristin, Jonathan, and Susan, and their spouses Paul, Ellen, and Scott; and his grandchildren Jack, Joe, and Jennifer.

After attending college and spending time in the Air Force, Hank took over his father's automobile upholstery business in Queens, New York, where he worked for 40 years. Hank was a gifted craftsman and loved to share stories of the classic cars he customized — including ones that appeared in the James Bond films — and the famous clients who came through his shop.

Hank married Judy, a nursing student from Pennsylvania, in 1963. After living on Long Island for many years, they retired and moved to Portland in 2012. There, they adopted another "child" — their beloved goldendoodle, Luna, whom Judy trained as a therapy dog. Hank and Judy quickly befriended their wonderful neighbors in the Summerplace community and fellow members of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Hank was a meticulous gardener, a master card player, and an avid golfer. He also loved reading, listening to music, dancing, traveling, and lounging in the summer sun. He was a colorful storyteller who always kept his family, friends, and even strangers laughing with his silly "dad jokes." Hank spent part of his Air Force service in Spain, where he learned to make paella — a family favorite that he would prepare on special occasions. He also loved chocolate and happily shared his stash of treats with his children, who inherited his famous sweet tooth.

Hank's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd's Door, a Portland Rescue Mission shelter for women and children.