Christopher Thomas Button

It's been so long since I saw Chris, but I can still remember his ability to say the right thing instantly, his grace and generosity, and his brilliant leadership. What an honor it was to know him. When I get to the other side, I want to learn why people like Chris have to endure the things they do, and why they are taken so soon. This is a beautiful tribute (no doubt written by Lynn). I loved trading wiener dog stories with Chris about Jupiter. I am so grateful this post came up today. Love to all his family. We were all so lucky.

Though I did not have the pleasure of meeting his wife I have had the pleasure for the past 24 years of knowing his daughter, Becky. So many times I made the drive to Chris' to drop off or pick up my daughter, Kimberly. I so enjoyed visiting with Chris at these times. My thoughts and prayers to Becky and all of Chris' family.

Lynn, You are so lucky because you found your soul mate in Chris! You will always carry that with you -- always. You both were so blessed to have found each other. Lynn -- one thing you should know -- you are dearly loved! With love from your fellow Trendie -- Annette

Aaah. So sad to hear about Chris. I was fortunate to have Chris as my supervisor at Root & Associates in the mid 80's. He taught me so much about advertising: budgeting, client contact and billing...all with the sort of "of course," approach. Yes, the one word that describes Chris best is charm. He had more than all the other account executives at Root put together. He also had us from time to time in the conference room, trying not to wet ourselves. One story in particular about a comparison of a client meeting to the last reel in "Hell is for Heroes," will stick in my mind forever.

Before that, I remember my sisters Paula and Mary talking about Tommy Buttons.

Chris literally took me under his wing and knew how much I appreciated his help. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

In my casual reading of the obituaries yesterday I was so impacted by this one. Although born the same year as Mr. Button and a graduate of a North Baton Rouge high school, I am a total stranger to him and his family. In addition to the other positive aspects of his life expressed so well in the obituary, I was amazingly impressed with the sensitive and well written inclusion of his pets in the write up. It definitely sounds like Mr. Button's death is a loss to a great many people as well as his beloved animals. Perhaps he wrote the obituary himself? Thank you for sharing his life (and that of his pets) in the way that you did in this write up. He sounds like a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.

Lynn,

I am so sorry to hear about Chris' death. He was my first AE ever when he was at Root & Associates and the perfect gentleman to lead Woman's Hospital into the advertising era. He was one of the most gracious, articulate, honest and entertaining people I have ever known. We bonded over our love for weiner dogs. I am glad he and John remained friends. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family. What a terrible loss.

Hugs and love,

Dee Brandt

His colorful imagination, gutsy spirit and perpetual charm are free of retraint now. Fly, Chris, fly! Bubs, Sandy and Mike ... you have my best wishes and my prayers.

I worked with Chris for the fist time in 1986, but it was his exceptional event production work on behalf of Blue Cross that gave me the very good fortune to become his friend. For eight years of glorious Angel Award events and a handful of sales conferences, there was never a time spent with him that didn’t involve a lot of laughter and a few cookies or candies. He was a gifted storyteller who could take the most mundane happening and make it into a totally outlandish tale. The consummate professional, he met his perfect match in Lynn -- a person I aspire to emulate and fail miserably. The two of them were an unbeatable combination of love, humor, faithfulness and friendship: a perfect couple. Lynn is one of the strongest people I know and she will weep without reservation at the strength of those less fortunate.



There are so many wonderful stories to tell about Chris and hilarious stories of his to repeat, although without his flair for the telling. The LSU date story comes to mind – just one of hundreds.



PS. Watch out for the confetti cannon and the smoke machine

Chris was one of those unique individuals who could discover a humorous antidote even in the most serious of situations, includng his own. A gifted story teller, the impish twinkle of his eyes always brightened in anticipation of delivering the unexpected punch line or twist to the story he was telling. Thank you for the warm smile and friendship when I needed it most. Pleasant journey my friend.

Lynn and Family:



I never met your husband, but I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know what you're going through and if you ever need to talk just let me know.

Our sincere symphathy to the Button family in your loss. Even as kids growning up at RHS you could tell you were around a special person of wit and intellegence when you were with him. I am sure he will be missed by everyone who came to know this special person. God Bless.

Al & Carolyn Stevens

I worked with Chris at Root & Associates in '85 & '86 and I remember him as a wonderful guy and a great ad man. I was eight years behind him at RHS, too. I'll miss you, Chris!



P.S. John Greene, if you're reading this, I miss you too!

Even though we have lost a dear friend and collegue, there is assurance that his wonderful spirit will live in us forever! He is with our Lord in Heaven and is smiling down upon us as he tells his great stories to everyone in Heaven!

Lynn - you have been a ROCK! We love you and are here for you!

DeEtte

What I will miss most about Chris was his great sense of humor. No matter how taxing his daily life became, his wonderful sense of humor always shined through. I loved the funny unusual surprises he gave out. I rejoice for him for he has gone to a better place, spending eternity with the Lord in the divine treasure house. Lynn, know that my love, prayers and support are with you.

I haven't seen Tommy in 40 years but am truly saddened by his death. I recall our many years together at St. Gerard's and Redemptorist. I particularly recall how often when bagging groceries at H.G. Hill's in Delmont Village people would mistake me for Tommy. I've been to none of our high school reunions but suspect that Tommy has joined many of our classmates. Surely the lessons we learned from the good School Sisters of Notre Dame and the Redemptorist fathers, as well as our childhood friends and our families, and the spirit of those good old days have helped to make our lives full and will bring comfort when we ,too, say farewell.

Chris was originally my client but quickly became my friend. Even though miles separated us, he was always in my heart. I will never forget his hilarious stories, nor his caring heart. His body may have been broken but never his spirit. He was complete.

Chris was one of our truly unique people. I will always remember his humor and creativity and the way it cam together in his work.

It's true ... the world is a little less bright without Chris in it. But there certainly is a new light in heaven now. I honestly can imagine Chris meeting up with my mom somewhere "up there" -- they were of an age -- and making her roar with laughter with his stories of the lady stuck on the commode or his disastrous college date that ended in a spray of Mike the Tiger's ... um ... excrement. Chris, I'll miss you, but I'm so glad that you are freed from all your physical pain. Lynn, know that you are loved and embraced by your many friends at Blue Cross and elsewhere. With much love from Robin.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our thoughts are with you.

I never met this obviously good man, but from what is written, that loss is clearly mine.

May the Peace of God which passes ALL understanding overwhelm each of you he so loved.