Starting at a young age, Ralph spent countless hours working with his hands until he could build or fix just about anything. Eventually, he used the knowledge that can only come from such hands-on experience to start his own fabrication business, Ironwood, where he created everything from parade floats to museum exhibits and even Hollywood movie sets. It’s also how he built the land speed racing motorcycles he rode to set multiple world records. 

Ralph was a friendly overachiever who believed that if a thing was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He was adept at carpentry, machining, painting, and design. He had the kinds of specialized trade skills that he wished more young men and women possessed today. 

The world needs more people like Ralph.

To that end, his son David has proudly established the Ralph Hudson Skilled Trades Fund at Pasadena City College. The fund seeks to enable worthy candidates to pursue a certificate program in much-needed trade skills such as Welding, Machine Shop Technology, and Industrial Fabrication. 

Scholarship grants will cover some or even all of a certificate program’s costs and essential tools the graduate will need in the workplace. This fund will help to grow the pool of highly skilled craftspeople and change the lives of promising students by opening the door to a better future. Ultimately, qualified graduates will have the opportunity to interview for employment at Ironwood. 

We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible contribution supporting the Ralph Hudson Skilled Trades Fund.

Thank you. Ralph relied heavily on his skills and those of others, both in business and in racing. Your help now will allow others to learn such vital trades and will be appreciated for many years to come.