Winston 'Win' Charters was born in Christchurch to Lily and Cecil William in 1911, and was educated at Christchurch Boys' High School. He represented the school in cross country and tennis before proceeding to Otago for his early medical training. He worked in Christchurch and Rotorua Hospitals and, after marrying Isabel Nuki, travelling to London as ship's doctor. He attained the London membership in 1937.

After several appointments in England, he returned to New Zealand as medical registrar at Wellington Hospital where he worked with John Bradbury FRACP. They accepted a heavy workload with many senior physicians overseas during World War II, caring as well for patients in the military hospital at Trentham and the American Naval Hospital at Silverstream. During that time a special interest in neurology developed. His association with the department of neurology continued through and beyond his many years as visiting physician to Wellington Hospital. For some 38 years, and until four weeks before his death, he also had a private practice in central Wellington.

His interests were widespread. He was a keen gardener and member of the Wellington Rose Society, and winner on one occasion of best rose at the national society's annual show. His early sporting interests were maintained as a keen rugby supporter and member of the Wellington Racing Club. His wife and three sons would have appreciated his quietness and love of family.

Many of his medical colleagues have a picture of Win in their mind's eye as a white coated figure striding along the hospital corridor, hands in pockets, pipe jutting, head lowered and enveloped in tobacco smoke. Their memory might also extend to the hospital Christmas party with Win as an accomplished though reluctant pianist. A few would have noticed an elderly Citroen crossing town in the evenings at not inconsiderable speed with Win at the wheel. Most will remember him as a physician with wide interests and considerable experience whose opinion on a medical problem was always valued.