Michael Merrwin Chater

Montpelier, VT
Michael Merwin Chater, 76, of Terrace Street in Montpelier passed away suddenly at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on 4/21/24.
Mike was born on February 11, 1948 to William Guy and Janet M. (Conklin) Chater in Bronxville, NY. He attended public schools in Bronxville through middle school and attended Northfield Mt. Hermon, in Gill, MA. He received his Bachelor's degree at Union College, Schenectady, NY in 1969, where he played basketball and lacrosse and formed lifelong friendships as a proud member of the Delta Phi fraternity. For a year after college Mike served as a Vista Volunteer for the NYC Dept of Corrections counseling youthful offenders, then headed west to Casper, WY where he spent a memorable year as a cowboy/ranch hand. He never got on a horse again!
In his formative years, Camp Sloane, a YMCA camp in Lakeville, CT was a home away from home for Mike. At Camp Sloane he found confidence, connection, and friends for life. Mike loved being a camp counselor and that passion and enthusiasm became a trademark of his personality and approach to life.
Mike landed in Vermont in 1972 at his uncle's dairy farm in Pomfret. From there, he started his career with the State of Vermont. He worked for the Dept of Corrections from 1973-82, beginning as a counselor in Woodstock and ultimately becoming Superintendent of the Rutland Community Correctional Center.
In December 1981, Mike went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Mary Maude Cosgrove, who "got him out of jail." On September 11, 1982, Mike and Maude got married in the backyard of their new home in Montpelier. In 1983, their son, Benjamin Guy Chater, was born, completing their family.
Mike spent the next 22 years working for various Departments in the Agency of Human Services as an administrator. In each position he held, he demonstrated diverse and compassionate leadership skills and he was always guided by his compelling and unique vision for making systems better. He saw the potential in those around him and enjoyed helping people grow. Many would attest to his fairness, selflessness, and good humor. He retired in 2004.
Mike was an avid fly fisherman. Whether he was casting for brookies in Furnace Brook or for steelhead in Pulaski, NY, or flats-fishing for Tarpon in the Florida Keys, fishing was his "happy place." Mike loved to travel, and he always enjoyed a good meal. He especially liked finding a beautiful spot on the ocean to watch the sunset and eat raw oysters. He loved golf and had been a member of both Blush Hill and the Country Club of Barre. In recent years, he joined several local bridge groups and a poker group, keeping his competitive spirit alive. Most of all, he treasured his friendships, new and old, and he worked to maintain those connections. All who knew him loved his unmistakable hearty laugh and big hugs!
Survivors include his wife, Mary Maude of Montpelier; his son, Ben of Williston; his brother-in-law, Peter Richman of Shelburne; his sister-in-law, Betsy Chater of Asheville, NC; and two nieces and a nephew and their families. Mike was predeceased by his brother, William A. Chater, and his sister, Deborah D. Richman.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.