Chris Pugh

Christopher Pugh, 41, of Cary, NC crossed into heaven on Friday evening, June 12, 2015 after a long and courageous fight against kidney failure and Fabry disease. Chris was born in New Orleans, LA, and within him beat the fervent heart of a true New Orleanian in every sense of the word.

A lifelong artist, Chris’ talents were many - painting, sketching, sculpting, photography - and art touched every aspect of his life, including one of his greatest passions - cooking. It was in generously sharing with others - his artistic abilities; his roots and traditions; his love of good food and music; his abundant sense of humor and easy laughter - that Chris expressed his true essence and found his greatest happiness.

Chris was an accomplished IT Recruiter. He took considerable pride in helping others reach their professional goals. He also worked for the National Fabry Disease Foundation, and it was his mission to promote Fabry awareness and education in both his personal life and the medical community, whenever and wherever he could. Additionally, Chris worked tirelessly to encourage the gift of life through organ donation as he awaited transplant, and he was eternally grateful to all of those who supported him in this endeavor.

Chris married his best friend, Colleen Pugh of Cary, NC, in the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Despite the challenges that unfolded before them, they were inseparable and their love endured. They fought side by side with unwavering strength and conviction. Together, they rescued their beloved dog Boog, and making him part of their family was one of their proudest moments. While enjoying cooking, traveling, music, movies and art, Chris and Colleen loved each other to the fullest and took not one single day for granted. The world was their playground, even when it was only around the corner.

Chris is survived by his parents, Emmett and Barbi Pugh (Bourne, MA); brother Brendan (Milton, MA), sisters Ashley Berry (Feeding Hills, MA), Courtney Stone (Portsmouth, RI) and their spouses; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; and treasured friends.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at the home of Chris’ parents in July 2015 to share in his memory. In October 2015, a pilgrimage is planned to New Orleans, where Chris’ life will be celebrated and his ashes brought to their final resting place. More information about the Massachusetts gathering can be obtained by contacting Brendan Pugh at brendan5679@gmail.com, and more information regarding New Orleans can be obtained from Colleen Pugh at dolcegirl22@hotmail.com.

Chris never bowed to adversity. Ever. Regardless of the circumstances, he soldiered on and always maintained a positive outlook. He sincerely believed in being good to others, and he leaves behind a legacy of not just saying, but doing. He was truly an inspiration while here on this earth, and now, he will forever be an unequivocally beautiful spirit watching over all of us from above.