The Don’t Spray Me community was devastated by the recent loss of Graham Hudgings, who for almost half his life had struggled against the results of chemical-induced poisoning and resulting hypersensitivity not only to pesticides and herbicides but also to chemicals to which most of us pay inadequate attention, such as those found in household cleaners, paints, and perfumes.

Graham has been an inspiration to all of us concerned about environmental contamination. If chemicals could have such tragic effects on even one person, how many more of us are being affected in less noticeable ways? As disorders like autism, allergies,  and auto-immune diseases continue to increase in the American population, how do we know that exposure to chemicals, even at low levels, is not to blame, especially in children, who are always less resistant? As species die out, can we trace their mortality to chemical exposure, remembering that DDT spraying as an insecticide came very close to exterminating our own national bird, the bald eagle?

At Don’t Spray Me, we have carved out for ourselves the niche of preventing unnecessary airborne spraying to kill mosquitoes, since exposure to a 2012 spraying in his home town caused Graham to suffer a notable relapse in his health. Spraying cannot be shown to have a long-term benefit and has many dangers, both immediate and long-term (including, ironically,  building pesticide resistance in mosquitoes). It is safer, cheaper, and more efficient to head off the mosquito population where it starts: in stagnant water, often in our own property.

In Graham’s memory, we rededicate ourselves to this quest, confident that we are on the winning side and that common sense will triumph in protecting both human and environmental health.

The following obituary was written by Graham’s family;

Graham Robert Hudgings departed this life on May 5, 2017, at the age of 47. Graham’s life was defined by his abiding love of others and his ability to help people realize their unique gifts and abilities. As a parent, spouse, brother, son, friend and coach, Graham recognized people’s strengths and needs and worked to bring out the best in each of them. He was a lifelong sports fan who had strong interests in basketball and baseball and was a talented musician, often entertaining family and friends with humorous spur-of the moment serenades. With his humor and cheerful nature, Graham changed the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact.

Graham comes from a close and loving family. He is survived by his wife Sarah and sons Patrick, 25, and Liam, 15; his parents, Margaret and Jim; brother Ian, his wife Selay, and their daughter Maya; sister Meg Niiler, her husband Tim, and their children Mateo and Ana Maria.

In recent years, Graham’s life revolved around the West Chester Dragons baseball league which he founded in 2010. Graham emphasized the importance of skill development and enjoyment of the game while demonstrating sportsmanship and character. View the tribute from the Dragons family at https://wcdragons.com.

Graham was a graduate of Westtown School (1988) and Kenyon College (1992,  with honors). He earned an MA degree in Psychology from Immaculata University (1996). Throughout his life, Graham enjoyed connecting with people. He sang in the Holy Trinity Boys Choir, participated in CISV (Children’s International Summer Villages), belonged to multiple musical groups, led YMCA camps, tutored students with reading issues, worked at Auto Wise, and founded Dragons baseball. Graham was appreciated for his ability to connect with people, his creativity, and his sharp wit.

An exposure to chemicals compromised his health and for 22 years, he fought the illness that ensued. He wanted to be sure that everyone is aware of the dangers of pesticides and chemicals in our air, food and water. He and his family started an organization called Don’t Spray Me in West Chester in 2015 to try to educate the community about the dangers to human health and the environment of spraying toxic substances.

Graham’s family will miss him tremendously but is comforted by the memories, their love for him, and the stories of his impact on people’s lives. The family has planned a memorial service for Friday, June 23rd, at 11 a.m. on the campus of Westtown School. The service will be held in the Meeting House, where Graham’s life will be celebrated. After the service, please join the family for refreshments and fellowship. The family invites everyone to bring a photo and/or written memory of Graham to post on display boards at the service and to bring solace to the family. Weather permitting, there will be baseball of some sort.

Arrangements are being handled by DeBaptiste Funeral Home. Contributions in Graham’s memory may be made to West Chester Dragons at https://wcdragons.com or to the Sierra Club of Chester County (Sustainability Committee) at http://sc.org/pa-spg, “SPG/Sustain’ty Cmte”.