- Date Of Birth: June 23, 1952
- Date Of Death: January 21, 2018
- State: Colorado
Lenward was born on June 23, 1952, in Tennille, Georgia to his parents Willie Fred Hudson and Rosa Mae Thompson. He was the third of seven children. He was raised surrounded by his siblings Corcelia, Willie, Monica, Beverly, Michelle, and Burton. Their father served in the Air Force his entire career, and this career allowed the children the opportunity to experience other locals. Lenward would often look back with reverence at his time spent in Wiesbaden, Germany and Puerto Rico as a child. His sons Nathan and Andre were honored when they were able to take their father to Puerto Rico in 2014 to have him relive some of his childhood with his sons. In 1970 the family moved to Denver, Colorado. It is here that Lenward finished high school and decided to begin an apprenticeship as an electrician. With his strong build and good looks Lenny dabbled in modeling and acting, but it was his profession as an electrician that would pay the bills and see him through life. In 1971, while working as a young electrician at Denver General Hospital, he met a young nurse, Christine Dippen. Though from two completely different worlds and cultures, there was a strong connection and they would wed in 1974. From this union three children were born, Andre, Carrie, and Nathan. Lenward and Christy moved to California with their newborn son in 1977. It is here that Lenny tried to establish himself as an actor and model, appearing for a time in a play and doing some photo shoots. In California, the two would have their daughter and second son. In 1985 the family moved back to Denver. It is here that Lenny would spend the rest of his life. Denver is where he felt connected. Through the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Lenny, and his younger brother Burton, partnered as electrical contractors. The two would endeavor into several projects that would later define Denver. Two notable projects would be Swedish Medical Center, and the all-new Denver International Airport. Still to this day, every time Lenny’s eldest son travels through DIA, he can’t help but remember being with his father and uncle working on that expansive project “out in the middle of nowhere”. Though an electrician by trade, Lenny’s gift was that of words. He often knew what to say and just when to say it. He was often that voice of reassurance or encouragement when needed to the friends and family that he had. He just let you know that he cared with a simple “What’s going on”. He loved to debate. He loved to discuss. He let you know you were beautiful when you probably most needed to hear it, or that he was proud of you as well.
