CAMDEN – Avard L. Chater, better known as Bud, died peacefully Feb. 7, 2007, the morning of his 82nd birthday, at the Maine Veterans’ Homes, Augusta. He was born on this day in 1925, which was also his mother’s birthday. He was the son of William S. and Vera (Spencer) Chater. Bud was a lifelong resident of Camden and Rockport, and a member of the Camden High School, Class of 1943. He joined the Army at age 17 and participated in the Normandy invasion. He was later wounded in Belgium and returned home in 1945. In 1946 he married Helen Marston of Rockport, whom he had met years earlier while skating on Lily Pond. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last June. He worked as a young man with his father at Chater’s Greenhouse, Rockport and traveled the state weather-stripping windows and doors. After this, he worked for many years as steward at the Camden Yacht Club. He also ran his own mooring business, was a scuba diver, did repairs and salvage, and eventually established Chater’s Boatyard. He built his own home in Camden, as well as, two cottages on Pitcher Pond. He was an active member of the Camden Lion’s Club. Bud was a one-of-a-kind character. His humor, strong work ethic and common sense approach to life was appreciated by all who knew him, and he influenced many peoples’ lives. He was always in the company of a good dog, but the one best remembered was Teak, who was often seen hitching a ride on the back of Bud’s motorcycle, with her paws on his shoulders. He took great pride in his gardens and began working the ground as soon as the frost was out. He could grow anything and it was usually taller and earlier than anyone else’s. He loved to hunt, fish and go camping. One of the nicest parts of camping with Bud was that he’d have the fire going and the coffee made long before anyone else was up. He and Helen also enjoyed traveling and over the years visited many places around the world. He is survived by his wife, Helen; three daughters, Sally of Bath, Carol and her partner, Stewart Valentine, of Appleton and Karyn and her partner, Vaughn Goodwin, of Hope; his grandchildren, Kate and Beth, Jonathan and Joel, Meghan and Christopher; and his great-grandchildren, Sarah, Ethan, Mae and Griffin; his brother, Clifford, a half brother, Bob; cousins, Nancy Michaud and Bill Chater; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Marston, Maurice Marston and his wife, Shirley, and Kenneth Marston and his wife, Julie; and sister-in-law, Beatrice Phillips. He also leaves a huge circle of people who are proud to have known him and to call him a friend. At his request there will be no funeral services. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date. <
AVARD L. ‘BUD’ CHATER
