Obituary of John Button

BUTTON: Dr. John Richard A loved Ridgetown physician and tireless community volunteer and Kiwanian, Dr. John Richard Button passed away at University Hospital, London on June 15, 2020 in his 69th year. John was the son of Dr. James R. (2003) and Nancy (Milne) Button (2000). Beloved husband of 23 years of Debbie (Driver), and father of Tim (Gillian) of Manotick and Claire (Geoff Matthews) of Toronto. Proud grandfather of Tristan, Anna Greta and Liv Button, and Brynn and Blythe Matthews. Dear brother to Tom (Marian) of Ridgetown, Doug (Hanneke) of Okanagon Falls, and Jane of London. Predeceased by brother Jim (2006). Also remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by wife Jody (Brandie) Button (1994) and survived by her sons Justin Faubert (Tara) and Ryan Faubert (Judy). John joined his father’s medical practice in 1978 and also displayed his father’s commitment both to Ridgetown and area, and to Kiwanis. John rose to become Kiwanis governor of Eastern Canada and the Caribbean in 2004-2005 and, in 2014-2015 president of Kiwanis International. Within Kiwanis, John, travelled the globe building support for the prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorder and the Elimination of Maternal Neonatal Tetanus, among many other projects, while also advocating and working on innumerable local Kiwanis projects in southeast Kent. John was chief of family practice for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham and president of the Kent County Medical Society, as well as chair of the board of the Foundation of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance 2010-2011. John’s leisure time was often spent photographing birds in Rondeau Provincial Park or cooking up a gourmet meal in his kitchen. He loved music and was always ready for the challenge of a music trivia. John loved his family, he loved the practice of medicine, and he loved his community and Kiwanis. He was a constant, amazing source of inspiration to us, and his zest for life, the friendliness of his smile, and the strength he gave so many of us, standing with us through life's sometimes dark passages, fill us with the deepest gratitude. He will be missed. Condolences and donations made in memory of John to the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada: Eliminate Project can be made at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, invited family and guests will attend a funeral service arranged by: McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141.