Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers- Colonel Commandant
Colonel (retired) Thomas John Temple passed away suddenly from natural causes at age 63 on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 in São Paulo, Brazil, while travelling on vacation with his cherished spouse of over 30 years, Marie-Claude Lussier. Loving father to Catherine Temple (Clarisse Désiré)
Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, PQ and Camille Temple, Embrun, Tom leaves to mourn a large family and many friends. Brother to his siblings in British Columbia: Walter (Sandra), Barbara (Richard) Morgan, Catherine, David (Cindy), Monica (Norman) Judd, Rosemary (Greg), and Patricia (Doug) Greenwood. Also, cherished and missed by his mother-in-law Camille Brisebois, Ottawa, and Marie-Claude’s siblings Brigitte Lussier, Gatineau, Laurent, San José, California and Frederick (Nadine) of Montcerf-Lytton, PQ as well as 14 nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews.
Born August 12, 1959 in Powell River, BC, the 3rd of 8 siblings, Tom was predeceased by his parents, Cornelia Maria (Degroot) and Walter Werner Temple and adored nephew Émile Lussier. After secondary school, Tom rushed off to Royal Military College Saint-Jean, then Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, where he graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree. Military life took Tom to Victoria, Lahr, Germany and Borden, ON where he met his future bride Marie-Claude. Marriage was prompted by his posting to Bordon, England while promotions and career opportunities saw Tom and his family grow their circle of friends with transfers to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, Gagetown, Montreal, then home again to Orleans where he would culminate his career as the Chief of Staff/Director of Land Engineering Support, at National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa.
Following retirement in 2011 after 32 years in uniform, Tom remained very active supporting various projects, particularly the RCEME Museum in Kingston and the RCEME Foundation and was honoured in July 2021 by his appointment as the Colonel Commandant of his beloved RCEME Corps. Delighted to be back in uniform through this notable volunteer role, Tom enjoyed spending time with family and his many friends through bowling, curling and most of all, chirping with his golf mates at PineView.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON, on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 commencing at 1p.m. in the Sacred Space, followed by a Reception. The family will be available to receive condolences at the Memorial Centre beginning at 12-noon. Burial of Ashes will take place at a later date. The service will be live-streamed, registration can be completed at the following link : Livestreaming Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the RCEME Foundation, the Ottawa Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Joseph Smith CWO retired
Bgen Camil Giguere
J'ai servi avec Tom à plusieurs reprises. Il a toujours été un officier exemplaire et un leader hors pair. Il nous manquera à tous.
Mes sincères condoléances à sa famille.
MARCEL FORTIER
I met Tom through golf at the Pineview Wednesday Senior League. He was great company and ensured I played my best. He will be greatly missed on Wednesday's. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Fernand Deschamps
Mes sincères condoléances à Marie-Claude, Catherine et Camille, ce fût un choc d’apprendre le décès de Tom….bon courage dans cette terrible épreuve.
Denise and Tim Schrader
So very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Condolences to Claude and daughters and to the many friends who will mourn the loss of this very good man.
James Hersey LCol (Ret'd)
Tom was an excellent and dedicated leader. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.
Sophie Peterson & Marc Boucher
Our sincere condolences on the loss of such a kind man. A great travelling friend who made everyone laugh. We will always remember his famous glass of Riesling while on a Panama Canal cruise!
Bon courage Claude, Catherine et Camille. ?
Sébastien Bouchard Bgén(ret)
Toutes mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis.es de Tom.
Martin Corriveau (Col)
Lou and I are sending you our condoleances. I had the privilege to work with Tom last few years in support to the Great RCEME family and Tom was an inspiration for his drive, smiles, keen mind and presence. Thank you Tom for all you did.
Eric and Karen Sheikh
Tom will be sadly missed. We had a chance to work together a few times and he always impressed and made us laugh! Our deepest condolence to the family and friends.
My condolences to the family may he rest in peace.