Les Chater Family YMCA

Who is Les Chater?

(1910 - 2007)

During the Great Depression, 19-year-old Les Chater reluctantly cancelled his treasured YMCA membership that he had held since childhood but could no longer afford. The man in charge of the YMCA waived his fee, saying, "Some day, you'll be able to repay us." Les Chater never forgot this kind gesture and began a lifetime of service to the YMCA.

Les became an engineer, and during World War II he was stationed in the Far East. He was captured in Japan and became a prisoner of war. Les attributed his survival to the fitness routines and leadership training he had learned as a youth at the YMCA. During captivity, Les kept a daily exercise routine which earned him the respect of his captors, who valued self-discipline. He was a source of encouragement to the other men, showing them how to maintain their strength in spirit, mind, and body. When the war ended and they were released, Les urged the other prisoners to shake hands with their captors. He wanted them to take the high road, to learn to let go of hatred. His efforts in the camp are an incredible example of moral leadership.

When he returned from the war, Les moved to Hamilton, joined Stelco, and soon became Chief Engineer. He also joined the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington, serving on the Board and chairing a number of committees. In 1975, he was part of the capital campaign cabinet and presented the lead gift from Stelco.

In the 1990s, Les became a YMCA philanthropist, donating significant funds to the YMCA's annual campaigns, and the lead gift for the 1999 campaign. He lived modestly, preferring that his money be put to good use to help others. Les was passionate about the work of the YMCA, particularly its fitness and youth programs. He believed it is crucial for youth to develop a concept of community service, and particularly wanted to ensure that children from low-income families - as he once was - have access to programs.

Several years ago, Les' prisoner of war camp diaries were published in the book, Behind the Fence. The interest in his story made Les realize that he had an opportunity to spread the word about the importance of fitness, the YMCA and the values he held dear. Although he was then in his late 80s - a time when most have slowed down - Les offered to become a regular speaker for the YMCA. Audiences loved his story and his delightfully dry wit. They were amazed that he continued a daily exercise routine into his 90s, and are still moved today by the three life lessons he promoted: 

• Maintain your personal fitness in spirit, mind and body
• Don't be wasteful
• Never let hatred into your life.

In 2005, Les again stepped forward and presented the lead gift pledge for the new Hamilton Mountain YMCA.

Les found his second calling late in life - a chance to spread the word about the importance of fitness, community service, and character. He was a tremendous inspiration to everyone he met, and a shining example of YMCA values in action.

In appreciation of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the YMCA, the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington and the Board of Directors are thrilled to name the new YMCA on Hamilton Mountain, the Les Chater Family YMCA.