NC Conservative Icon Peter Batton Passes

Anytime in the last 40 years whenever a conservative made a move in North Carolina they were more than likely photographed by Peter Batton.  (That's Pete on the right, of course, with Retired Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake.) Despite battling chronic illness from his childhood and cancer later in life, Batton served the people of North Carolina as a probation officer and later chronicled the rise of the conservative movement that led to North Carolina becoming a two party state. 

I remember an event late in Senator Jesse Helms' career where he was being honored.  As always, Peter was there, camera in hand, recording the occasion for posterity.  After taking many, many photos of the senator with the crowd, Helms loooked up at Batton and asked, "Peter, old friend, how long have you been taking my picture?"  Batton responded that it had been quite a while.  Helms then said, "You know, I don't believe I have a picture of you.  If you trust someone else to hold that camera, let's get you in a picture for my desk."  With those kind words from the conservative leader of the US Senate, Peter's face lit up and he came to Helms' side for a most memorable picture.  I would love to have a copy of that picture to remember two great men with.

When I heard of Peter's passing, I had to remember that he wasn't indestructible.  His health had betrayed him but that tough, old bird would not let it slow him down.  He continued to take pictures of candidates, senators and leaders.  Peter was Civitas' photographer for any occasion.  When we hosted a dinner with Michael Reagan, I was not quick enough to get into a photo for Peter's liking and his directorial talents took over.  He always made sure to get the shot right.  We will miss Peter and so will the conservative movement in North Carolina.  I'll bet he's having a conversation with ol' Jess right now.

PETER CASE BATTON (1942-2009)

Peter Case "Raw Hyde" Batton, 66, of 4924 Knightsbridge Way, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at his home after years of declining health. Peter was born April 21, 1942, a native of Wilson County, to the late Ernest Batton and Eloise Case Batton. He retired from the NC State Department of Corrections as a probation officer with 28 years of service. He was also widely known for his photography of wildlife and political functions.

Memorial Service: 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545 with Jim Hastings officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends immediately following the service.

Surviving: Wife: Mary Ellen "Nicky" Batton Daughter: Eloise Brinson of Asheville

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CCNC Dedicated to the Fight Fund, 4101 Macon Pond Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Please send condolences to the family here.

Comments

[Robert G. Ezzell]

I am a SFC With the U.S. Army and and have been for 19yrs. I have known Peter just about as long as I have alive 44yrs to be exact. I will truely miss Peter and our weekly conversations. He always told me I should joined the USMC but he loved me just the same and he never hung up without saying I love you. With my eyes whelling and a heavey feeling in my gut I will close but not without saying "Good bye my dear friend I love you and I will truely miss you" God Bless.

[Sandra Pierce]

I loved Peter Batton and he loved me and my children. I will miss him more than anyone will ever know. He has been my dear friend for more than 44 years. He was my councilor, my boss, my soul mate. No matter were I moved he would call. He always wanted to know about my children. The last time I spoke with Pete was about a week and a half ago, he seemed to be in good spirits, as he always was. His physical appearance would tell anyone than he was fighting a hard battle but his heart and soul was healthy.
I will miss you so much my good and loving friend. I wish that you could have stayed with us a little bit longer. I wish that I could have been able to tell you good-bye. Thank you Pete for the ride.

Sandi

[Eloise L. Brinson]

Hi,
I am not sure if this is appropriate or not for me to comment here but my name is Lori or as listed in the Obituary Eloise L. Brinson, Peter's Daughter. Nicky, his wife and I had been told there were some other things out here on the internet regarding my Father. I am so very, very grateful to find this article and the beautiful comments. I will miss my Father very much. I think both Nicky and I feel his passing in various ways every day. He was as all know a Trubador and an Icon for so many. It is very touching to know that he was so well loved by so many others as well. We hope to stay in contact with all of you in the days, months and years ahead. Thank you again for your support and love during this time and for the happiness each of you brought to my Father's life. Til then....Lori:)

[Eloise L. Brinson]

Hey this is Lori, Peter's Daughter again. Just a short note to let you know that there is a Memorial Website up and running now for my Dad. It will be getting bigger as time goes by. I hope all are well.

http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/petercbatton/homepage.aspx

(copy and paiste the link into your browser then press enter or send)

[Mary Cogswell]

Hello,

My name is Mary Cogswell. My daughter, Michelle, found your name on the computer today and I am in hopes to reconnect with Nicky. I first met Nicky while Pregnant and worked as a temp. at the insurance company that she too worked for. My family moved to Sarasota, Fl. and she and I used to talk at Christmas. I thought the world of Nicky and Pete. I hope that you will let her know that I'm dying to reconnect with her. I'm so very sorry for your loss as well as hers.
Mary Cogswell