Charles Joseph Chatterton

Charles Joseph Chatterton, born October 10, 1925, died on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Meredith Bay Colony Club where he resided for the past few years. A resident of Meredith since 1959, he is survived by his 4 children: twin sons, Paul and wife Diane, and Stephen and wife Sharon Chatterton. His middle daughter Linda married Steven Arndt just this past November, in Baltimore, and Charlie was able to attend. His devoted daughter Holly Oliver and her family have been attending locally to Charlie's needs. Holly and her husband Ralph gave Charlie three grandchildren, Eric and Jill Oliver, and their older daughter, Morgan and husband Matt Banville, gave Charlie his only great granddaughter, Avery. His sister Norma Gainer resides with her husband Harold in New Jersey. Several nieces from his wife Carol's side of the family were also very close: Bonnie and Edna Rees who reside in Canada and plan to attend his service. Charlie is predeceased by his dear friend, Doris Stone, who recently passed away this winter.

Charlie was born and raised in the New York City area, except for a year as a young boy when he was sent with siblings to live with relatives in British Guiana when his mother was quite ill. Charlie received his high school diploma in absentia since he left to join the US Navy with whom he served during World War II, primarily in the Pacific theater. Here Charlie developed his love of electrical engineering and radios. After the war he was able to take some college training and electronics became his career and interested him throughout his life.

Charlie met his wife Carol, as a teenager while spending summers in Toronto, Canada, visiting his Uncle Carlos Cardoza - who happened to be dating Carol's older sister Lynn. Their courtship was intense and they married when she was 18 and he was 23, home from the war. They resided in New York City initially and then moved to NH, the location of their honeymoon, and a better setting for their children to thrive in the educational system.

Charlie and Carol became members of Trinity Episcopal Church shortly after arriving in Meredith and the church has played a major role in Charlie's life. He served in various positions within the vestry, attended annual convocations, volunteered often in support of the Diocese and the various Bishops over the past many years. One of his greatest satisfactions was in his role of selecting Rev. Robin Soller, current priest at Trinity. Robin has been very close to the family and along with his daughter Holly was present at his side when he died.

During his life he was a business executive, primarily in the electronics industry, with Browning Labs, WILCOM Systems and others. Always one to decipher a problem, he became known as a "Gizmologist", able to work out some little thing that would make the whole work, thus solving various engineering and manufacturing challenges. He applied these same talents to Key Town Toys which were a variety of old fashioned wooden toys that he made and sold for a few years before he realized it was more fun to give them away. He became Santa Claus each holiday season for the town, Santa's Village in Laconia and at various businesses and functions in the area. He took this role seriously, studying the current toys of each season. Charlie owned his own suit because he wanted to always appear in a clean, nice suit - it was important to him that Santa live up to the expectations of all little boys and girls.

After retirement, and especially after Carol's death, Charlie became known as the "Bear Man" of Meredith. It started with a little stuffed bear that belonged to Carol that he took comfort in. That little bear was soon joined by others: purchases, gifts, donations, until the collection grew to over 5000 bears. Charlie gladly shared his collection with everyone who wanted to see them. He often had Day Care Centers visit, served Bear tea's to a variety of people, young and old, and many tourists from faraway places. Charlie had always loved toys and is well known for his handmade wooden tops - especially the old fashioned tops. His trademark became a top which he gave to anyone and everyone he met. Some of these tops have ended up in places such as the US Surgeon General's office!

In 2007 NH Governor John Lynch recognized Charlie for his outstanding volunteer service and awarded him the Joseph D. Vaughan Award. He was active in Boy Scouts, Band Boosters, Trinity Church, Meredith's Senior Center and many more services along with individual attention to many individuals who needed a favor, or a lamp fixed, etc. He never hesitated when he saw a need and did whatever he could to assist people in need or with a problem.

Perhaps Charlie is best known for his friendliness and fine sense of humor. He always had a joke ready and was an unofficial ambassador for the Lakes Region. He met many visitors at the town docks, often taking them for boat rides or inviting them back to Lang Street to meet the Bears. All left with fond memories and of course a wooden top!

Donations may be made in Charlie's memory to the Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 635, Meredith, NH or a local charity of one's choice.