We regret to announce the passing of one of the Chatham Camera Club’s most senior members, Les McCracken.
Les was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1926 and served as a motorcycle dispatch rider during the Second World War. In 1957, he and his wife Jean and their three children emigrated to Canada where he went to work for Union Gas in Chatham. Les retired from the company in 1991 after thirty-four years.
He was a member of our organization as far back as the late 1950s and became one of the most respected and well-liked people in the group, eventually being named as a Lifetime Member. Always eager to help others along in their photographic journey, we could always count on Les to share his vast wealth of knowledge.
Les will be greatly missed by many of our senior members for his friendly, out-going personality, his quick wit, and his willingness to help The Club. He took great delight in offering up little pearls of wisdom in his charming, Irish brogue. For those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him, you missed a real treasure.
Some examples of Les’ fine work can be seen on our Photo In Focus page.
So very sad and dismayed to hear this news. Les was a man of great wit, wonderful humour and vast knowledge. He was always willing to mentor and help everyone. He was a true Gentle Man and the best of the best.
I admired him so my heart bleeds. . .. I send Love, Prayers and Peace to Jean and Family.
I’m so sad to hear of the passing of Les. He was one of the most encouraging people, going so far as calling to let you know he liked a series of images. Which meant a lot coming from such a knowledgeable and well regarded person. He loved the printed image. He always had a sparkle in his eye to go along with his humorous comments. Even though I didn’t know him for as long as other members, i will always remember him and his welcoming ways. Jean and family, I’m very sorry for your loss and will keep you close in thoughts during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear. He was such a lovely man. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Les & his wife Jean were beautiful people! I loved his stories & his awesome photography. I know he’ll missed by many… RIP Les
One of my favourite people on this earth. He will be greatly missed! Prayers and love to Jean (another of my favourite people) and their family.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.
Alice and I were so sad to hear the news. I first met Les when I was a student working at Union Gas. I remember Les was always eager to try something new whether it was a car or a camera and he was willing to share what he had learned, usually in a most interesting way. Our hearts go out to Jean and the family.
Bill and Alice James
Thank you so much for your wonderful tribute to my dad. He loved photography as you know and he loved the Chatham Camera Club. Thank you to those who left comments. Reading them has warmed my heart and I will be reading them to my mum soon.
Sincerely, Lynda Webb
I would like to say thank you to the folks at the Camera Club for this wonderful tribute. My Dad always enjoyed taking picture and has taught me a lot about taking good shots, and I will miss him a lot in teaching me. Thank you again for your kind words.
Sincerely, David McCracken
I would like to thank to all the folks at the Camera Club for those kind words you said about my Dad. He enjoyed taking pictures and has tote me how to take good pictures as well. He will be missed a lot. Thank you again.
David McCracken
So sad to hear this. He was quite the talker he will be missed…