ThomasButtMemories

Well, still every day thinking Big Tom would know this but sadly can’t send an IM or make a call . From our Fridays sorting pricing to talking about pensions and future retirement. Still have that lasting memory of the ‘planned’ walk in our Trek For Shrek with you at the helm having not considered the topography of the land with mini mountains , rivers and rubble. That 5 miles was about 10 with people pulling out and phoning Mark for a rescue, oh how I laughed, miss you big man and a baked potato will never be the same ❤️ x

The world will definitely be a sadder place without Tom. He was the epitome of ‘worked hard & played hard’ He was a Gentleman and cheekie chappie in equal measures with a mischievous sense of humour. You never quite knew if he was being serious or not. I have so many great memories, lots of good times, great good, fine wines and of course lots of fun and laughter, life was never dull with Tom around. Whenever I hear King of the Road I’m taken back 20 years ago to Toms rendition in The Thai Royal Argyle St. The Dark n Stormy evening is another personal favourite but I can say no more! Thanks for the memories and RIP TB Xx

Tom working and being in your company was such a privilege, motivational, engaging and always so much fun. Always passionate about BT your job and visiting our customers. Depending on the visit it was always most welcome to add on a little visit to a local art gallery.Thank you for trying to educate us on art and convincing us the Connor brothers are world renowned artists and not some sort of blues band tribute act. One such meeting I will always remember was to London-down on the red eye, then you presenting for 2 hours at Fortinet head office , then lunch at some swanky 54th floor restaurant befitting of your fine suit, then on to BT Head office one Braham you presenting for a further 2 hours , drinks with the customers and you Nailing the sale! As you always did.On the plane on the way home you said “Well laddy that is a 20 hour day we have just worked , but what a great day one of my favourite in BT” I replied with I am going to take a lie in tomorrow to which you quickly retorted “ No no no laddy I will be logged on as I always am at 7:30”. As our good friend Brian has commented I don’t think we know a bigger ambassador in BT. When in your company the phrase “ Standing on the shoulder of giants “ is quite apt. You always helped people see things more clearly, you would always feel 2 foot taller, 50% more confident, and you always brought out the best of people when they were in your company. You will be so hugely missed. Rip Tom x ❤️

First met Tom on the train to work in Motherwell. He was standing in the middle of a busy carriage singing opera songs at the top of his voice. I knew then he was certainly a character. When he first passed his driving test he would only drive on B roads as he didn’t like motorways or driving in big cities. It took him hours to get to and from appointments sometimes ! He will definitely be missed by all his past and present colleagues in BT

Tom – you will leave a lasting legacy. For all that knew you even in a small way would testify you always brought a bit of sparkle and joy to everyday life. When I started working with BT, you were part of the same intake back in 1995; what sticks with me most is how you made everyone feel welcome and relaxed, especially during those first days together as well got to know each other. Loads of us will remember how you loved a good singalong – even the boring long train trips to Milton Keynes which ended up being a laugh . I’ll never forget his version of "That’s Life!" – that tune really says it all, always bouncing back and making the best of things. We’re all going to miss you, but your good humour and warmth will always stick with us. Rest easy… https://www.sinatra.com/video/frank-sinatra-thats-life-sinatra-a-man-and-his-music-part-ii/

At a loss for words and taken a few days reflection on Tom. Reading so many great stories and seeing so many of the memories and pictures of Tom brings smiles and sadness. Since meeting Tom 30 years ago, no matter what point in life he was always Tom. I just hope he knew how well admired he was and this gives comfort to his family knowing Tom was genuinely loved by all. He was so unique, charismatic but most of all trusted albeit blunt at times. He just made you laugh at what seemed bullish but he was Tom - a big heart, kind and caring and never with the thought of offensive. I shall miss you so much Tom - your seat will never be cold as your memory will live on in the hearts of your friends and colleagues. Rest easy Tom and fly high x

I first knew Tom as a team mate when I was working at BT in the Noughties but with me being based in London, we didn't meet much, and I didn't really get to know him until I joined Fortinet and Tom became my customer. But he was always much more than that - everyone knows he as experienced and excellent at his job. I saw him many times with customers who clearly believed in him, colleagues who trusted him to lead them and as a partner, I valued his inventive thinking and willingness to challenge me in a constructive way. I often rang him late in the evening when we could have a bit of a chat and I could get his honest opinion on things. He would be red-faced, towel around his neck, having been just off his peleton, impressively changing his lifestyle for the better and looking in much better shape. So it's a huge shock that he hasn't seen the benefits of his hard work. Of course he loved his golf so it's lovely to have photos of him in his happy place with Rob at Wentworth 18 months ago, typical of him to be as much interested in the tech as the golf. I'll miss you Tom. Rest in peace

Like everyone else, where do you even begin when remembering the big man. The phone call on Sunday is one of the saddest days of my life. Tom was more than a colleague – he was a genuine friend. There are so many stories you can tell about Tom, but one of the ones that always makes me smile is when Tom and I were en route to a customer meeting in Ayrshire in separate cars. We had just got ourselves a takeaway cup of tea from a café and then jumped in the cars to head off. I called Tom and, whilst on the call, Tom in his usual way shouted out, “ARRGH FOR GOODNESS SAKE!” I said, “What is it, are you okay?” He said, “The bottom has just fallen out of my cup and the tea has went all over me.” I said, “Are you okay?” and he replies, “I’m okay but will have to stop off at the house to change my trousers, which is a shame because it’s actually a warm, pleasant sensation I’m getting at the moment.” I said, “What are you talking about, man? Does it feel like you have pissed yourself?” To which Tom replies, “YES SON, SOMETHING LIKE THAT – ONLY WITHOUT THE STENCH.” I love you loads, big man. RIP

Tom really was one of life’s good guys. He was great company, engaging, funny, helpful, supportive, and he made a positive mark on anyone he met, customers and colleagues alike. Everyone loved Tom. In my 28 years at BT, I am proud to call him a friend. Over the past few months he sat next to me in the office, which, on reflection, was a real privilege, and I will look back on that time with fond and funny memories. There was never a dull moment sitting next to Tom, you would hear the passion in his voice when speaking to customers, it was clear how much he loved his job. My lasting memory of Tom is his offer of a round at Troon this year, with me, him, Robert and Ian, he said it was his treat and would include “breakfast on the Patio at Tarryholme”. For me, this sums up Tom perfectly, his generosity, his sense of humour and his love for life. He’ll be sadly missed. Taken too soon. Rest in peace Tom.

Dear Tom, I still can’t believe you are no longer with us—gone far too soon. Yet your memories live on, and it’s so touching to read the beautiful reflections shared by friends who have known you for so long. My heart goes out to your sister. It must have been a true privilege to have known you so closely. Please know that you will be deeply missed.

My memories of you Tom will live forever in my heart. Since our first day in BT at Scotstoun exchange, to Motherwell, to our weeks spent training in Milton Keynes. We had such a laugh. Pauline, you & I and a crew who would spend Friday nights at Motherwell Point for ‘just a few’ after work. Careers grew in BT, but I always knew what role you would be doing and we kept to doing a work anniversary check-in. I left BT just after my 25th year, but still a wee email and some words on how life was; despite the years, you were You and those early BT experiences lived on. I will cherish the memories and your friendship. You were an awesome, one of a kind guy. My heart feels the loss of a soul taken too soon. You were so loved, it’s wonderful (& sad) to read all the stories of friendship on here. There are not many people who have such a wonderfully infectious presence. Rest peacefully my friend. X