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Mark Hudgens

Mark Hudgens, age 53, died Aug. 9, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.Mark was a devoted and caring son, husband and father. His wife, Robyn; mother, Jacqueline; sons, Cole, Grayson and little Mark; and daughter, Ava, will recall his loving nature all their lives.Mark was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, two years after his marriage to Robyn. Many in the medical community expected Mark to die three and a half years ago. However, Dr. Dennis Jordanides and Dr. Ira Jaffrey would not give up on Mark. With the determined support of Robyn, Mark was given the cutting-edge drugs such as Erbitux after his body could no longer tolerate chemotherapy. Mark’s courage, strength and bravery in the midst of his illness were an inspiration to many. His positive attitude and sense of humor helped all those around him. He was truly a remarkable and unique man who will be painfully missed. During these last three years, Mark and Robyn were able to have their son Mark Jr. and daughter, Ava, who was born one day after Mark passed away.Mark’s love for the mountains, skiing and snowboarding moved him to Woody Creek in 1994, when he retired from a successful career in the land development business started by his father, Dallas Scott Hudgens Jr. Among their many projects in Atlanta and Savannah areas were the North DeKalb Mall, Oglethorpe Mall, Arrowhead Shopping Center, Lawrenceville Square Shopping Center, College Park and the Mall of Georgia (the largest mall in the Southeast). They donated land and funds to nonprofit projects such as the Peachtree Christian Hospice Center and a veterans cemetery. Their company also worked with the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games to develop an Olympic Park.Mark was a generous, compassionate man with a philanthropic vision. His passion was to support children with cancer, but he also supported many programs in the area, including the Aspen Community Foundation, The Buddy Program, Snowmass Chapel, Response, Snowmass Western Heritage Association, Compass, Silver Lining Ranch and the Cancer Caring House in Edwards. Mark was a presenting sponsor of Egleston Celebrity Classic, a premier philanthropic gold tournament in the Southeast for leukemia research.A memorial service for Mark will take place at the Snowmass Chapel at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, to remember this good man, and offer support to his family and many friends.Memorial gifts can be made to the Silver Lining Ranch, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer.