Charron

Walter Charron was born in Notre Dame de Grace (N.D.G.) Montreal on June 23, 1922. His parents were Walter Sr., who worked in sales, and Hazel, a homemaker. They had two children. Before his first birthday, the Charron's moved to St. Lambert. The Charron family were French Protestants, therefore after relocation to the northern end of town near not far from the former Southwork School, he attended grades one and two there before entering St. Lambert High for the next nine years. (Southwork's name was changed to the Merton School and subsequently renamed Margaret Pendlebury School, the first school in Quebec to introduce French Immersion).
Wally recalls “my elementary school teacher Mrs. Linton, so it would now seem, introduced a curriculum to include not just the courses leading to knowing one's basic A, B, C's but also basic “Etiquette”. Mrs. Linton felt it was very important that all kids learn the importance of proper behaviour, especially toward each other. Girls always go first and boys shall open and hold the door.”
Throughout high school his favorite subjects were English and History, due in part to the influence of “the very enthusiastic and dedicated teachers we had.” “We never got into any trouble with the teaching staff as all the students had the greatest respect for our teachers, who took personal interest in the welfare of each of us. They were good teachers, dedicated, understanding and loved the involvement they had with the students. It really was a 'community school', and we all did our best to give back as much as we received”.
Wally graduated in 1938 and the next fall attended the O'Sullivan Business School in Montreal, enrolled in a one-year business course in preparation for entering the family's Leather Goods Business.
Following the outbreak of war in 1939, like so many others, his attention turned toward how best to become involved. In 1940 as soon as he turned 18 , "to be different" from most of the recruits he knew, he and three buddies joined the navy. He started as an 'Ordinary Seaman', primarily keeping watch and looking after electrical and depth charge maintenance, and later was sent to Naval College in Esquimalt, B.C. where he graduated as a Lieutenant.
As a lieutenant, he commanded small and large landing craft. He was loaned to the Royal Navy for two years, he notes, involved in "amphibious landings in the U.K., Africa, the Middle East, Sicily, Italy and France."
After the war, in 1946 Wally was sent to England to become knowledgeable about every aspect of the leather tanning business, specializing in the application of fine leathers (sheep, goat and cowhide) and after returning joined the family firm, WALTER CHARRON CO. LTD, (later Walter Charron & Son Ltd.) a leather sales agency firm representing various tanneries all over the world.
Walter recalls when his firm was challenged by the Ministry to Defence to design new lightweight footwear; gloves and other hand wear for use in the military. “A pilot's gloves had to be so 'nimble', he could pick up a nickel off the floor”
He married Maureen Knights from Port Arthur, On. On a blind date while in Kingston. The Charron's have four children, Lorraine, Peter, Bruce and Nancy, who attended Chambly County High. They now have nine grandchildren, and their first great-grandchild. He enjoys spending time with his family, the Royal Canadian Legion and other community service work, golf and curling. A very active curler at the St. Lambert Club who was on the Provincial senior championship team in late 70's or early 80's. Former Club President and Honorary Life member.
Because he was impressed with the Salvation Army during the war, he has been a longtime supporter of that organization.
Played football with Navy and was on winning Grey Team.
Helped get the Chambly County High School off the ground in early fifties, working with Redmond Roche the Union National member of Quebec Parliament.
Coached football for CSA and participated, coached, officiated in others sports, and is well remembered for his very active roles during the 1950's Canadian Legion's sponsorship of the Canadian Track & Field Championships held at the L'Esperance oval. Wally has been a tremendous contribution to the St. Lambert Community in general.
A great story/joke teller who has material for any occasion.