Remembering Dick Button: 1929–2025

“The fine art of figure skating,” as Dick Button so often and astutely called the sport, has lost an icon—a giant—with his passing on January 30. A true original, Dick was the epitome of class, delivering his commentary with a rare combination of intellect, passion, and an unwavering respect for tradition. His deep knowledge of the sport, coupled with a quick wit and an unmistakable voice, made him an enduring presence in the lives of skating fans for generations.

But he was more than just a commentator—he was a teacher, a historian, and, at times, an unfiltered truth-teller. He praised excellence, critiqued mediocrity, and never shied away from calling things as he saw them, often delighting and occasionally ruffling feathers in the process. Yet even when he sparked debate, his love for the sport and its athletes was undeniable.

Dick set the gold standard for figure skating commentary, a standard that none since have ever matched. His legacy is not just in his own extraordinary accomplishments but in the way he brought the sport to life for millions, making us all see its beauty, its difficulty, and its magic.

Everything I ever needed to know about figure skating I learned from Dick Button. So, hats off to Dick for a life well-lived, a sport well-served, and a legacy that will forever glide through the annals of the fine art of figure skating.