Chester LeMaistre was a prominent interior designer, passionate about the theater and active in the creation of the Nationality Rooms at University of Pittsburgh. He died on Feb. 5, 1995 at the age of 75.
Born in Montreal, Canada, Chester was a graduate of McGill University in Toronto and a member of the Canadian Army during World War II, serving with the special services. He opened an office in New York City before moving to Pittsburgh and Sewickley Heights in 1949.
Chester was beloved by clients and colleagues and was known for his sense of humor. He abhorred the overdone in design, preferring to work for families who stayed within English and American high-style traditions rather than following the current trend. His work took him across the U.S. as well as to Europe and the Caribbean.
Chester worked for Ruth Crawford Mitchell, the first director of Pitt's Nationality Rooms, for 30 years, playing a key role in the refurbishing of the historically important Croghan-Schenley Room in the Cathedral of Learning.
He was passionate about theater and involved in many community projects including the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Alpha House, Sewickley Valley Historical Society, Children's Home of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Ballet, Planned Parenthood and Rachel Carson Homestead.
He also served on the Ruth Crawford Mitchell Scholarship Fund at Pitt and was recognized for his work with shell-shocked soldiers during WWII.