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
Steven Poole, CD, PEng, LCol RCEME (retd)
Jean-François Prévost (Colonel GEMRC, retiré)
Tom était un leader et un homme exemplaire. Son sens de l'humour et sa bonne humeur nous faisait bien rire, nous réconfortait et nous permettait aussi d'envisager toute les situations selon la bonne perspective. Merci Tom pour tout tes nombreux accomplissements. Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille, aux proches et à tout notre Corps.
Carolyn and Larry Aitken
Heartfelt condolences to family, friends and many colleagues. He will be greatly missed by many.
Gilles Nappert (RCEME Col ret'd) & Suzette
It was a shock to hear of the passing of Tom. He was full of energy and helped me a lot in the RCEME Museum project of digitizing the RCEME Book of Remembrance. Recently he and Marie-Claude joined our regular Friday dinner group - mostly retired RCME folks. He was a great story teller. We will miss him. RIP Tom.
CWO Marty Walhin
My condolences to the family. Tom will be missed by the RCEME Corps, serving and retired, his friends and obviously his family. Tom was a dedicated leader who served with great passion. His energy and esprit de corps was remarkable. Thank you Tom, may you rest in peace. Arte et Marte.
Andrew Nellestyn
An officer and a gentleman. Respected and admired by all. His contributions to the Corps were manifold and his regard for its members beyond the call of duty. RIP dear friend.
Grant and Marg Colman
We offer deep condolences to Claude, his daughters and to his family and friends. You all are in our prayers.
Helga Rausch, Maj (Ret'd) RCLS
What an awful shock. We worked together on exercise in the mid-late '80s when I served with 1 Service Battalion. I looked up to him as a great example of a professional supporter and a good friend, always up for a laugh (and often the instigator ?) His untimely passing is a great loss to family and friends who loved him, the RCEME Corps, and the CAF. My sincere condolences to his grieving family.
Harold Schwab
My Condolances to Tom's many Family and Friends. He will be missed by so many. May You Rest In Peace Tom. Arte et Marte
Mark DeSmedt, Commander (retired)
My condolences to Marie-Claude and Family. I remember fondly arriving by Service Air in Lahr Germany in Apr 83 seeing Tom, my classmate RMC 81 and fellow Mechanical Engineer. Discovering I was headed to Marseilles to join HMCS Saguenay, he took me under wing, hosted me for dinner and overnight crashing at his abode. Next day he drove me to Strasbourg to connect with rail lines to Marseilles. A good excuse to show off his Saab 900 turbo! Our paths did not cross until much later in Ottawa NDHQ Postings. Well remembered! I am very sorry for you loss
Marie-Claude, May Tom Rest in Peace, and you use the memories of your Love and Happiness to help you through your grief along with your family. Know that there are many who are prepared to help if they can. Our deepest sympathies, Steve & Marie-Josee.