Robert Hudson was known around the world for his knowledge of tax law, but he was just as renowned for his passion for philanthropy.
That spirit of giving touched many, as he helped the homeless as a board member for Camillus House, and supported the arts as chairman of the Concert Association of Florida and vice chairman of the Performing Arts Center Foundation.
Hudson, who founded the Miami office of Baker & McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, died Monday while vacationing with his wife, Edith, in Paris. He was 69.
Bob Dickinson, board chairman of Camillus, described Hudson as a “multi-faceted diamond. He realized that he was blessed and he had a very good career and he recognized that other men, women and children were much less fortunate.”
His friends and colleagues said Hudson loved to dance, knew facts about countless songs and was a wine connoisseur. He was a former president of the Miami chapter of the International Wine & Food Society.
“He was so compelling that he could have been the president for life,” Dickinson said.
As an attorney, he made his mark in international tax law and as a managing partner at the firm, a post he held over several terms.
“The one thing we all learned from Bob is that by sheer force of will you can accomplish what you set out to accomplish, even if there are roadblocks in the way,” said the firm’s current managing partner, Roy Larson.
Shed Boren, the CEO of Camillus House, said the organization will greatly miss him.
“From the concert halls to the boardrooms to the courtrooms to the homeless shelters, his life impacted so many people,” Boren said.
Hudson is survived by his wife and two sons, Patrick and Daniel. Funeral and memorial service plans have not been finalized.
Lance Dixon: 305-376-3708, @LDixon_3
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