Hello everyone,
I am sorry to report that Reid Hudson, master bowmaker and longtime resident of the Cowichan Valley, BC, died September 10, 2026 of Parkinsons Disease at Cowichan District Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, he studied the standup bass with Thomas Monohan, and then learned violin and bow making from Joseph Kun in Ottawa, before moving to Vancouver Island in 1980 with his wife.
For 45 years he ran his own business making bows for stringed instruments, and his bows are played by musicians in orchestras around the world. He also taught bow making courses in Japan and Arkansas.
Reid loved the outdoors, canoeing at the cottage and hiking in the forest. He was a masters swimmer and a long-time Blue Jays fan. He loved to travel, and having hitchhiked from England to India in his teens with friend Ian, Reid carried a lifelong passion for cooking exotic, spicy food.
Reid is survived by his loving wife and partner of 50 years, Judith (Judy), and his children, Rosey and Frank (Leah), grand-daughter Alison.
Donations made to www.Parkinson.ca are appreciated.
Click Contact to see some of Reid’s remaining violin bows.
Or contact his dealers in Victoria, Toronto, Montreal and Albuquerque.
Thank you for your years of support.
Reid’s family
