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
LCol (Retired) Greg Burton CD PPCLI
Guy B Roy (Adjuc-retiré) et Francine
Nos plus sincères condoléances à Marie-Claude et toute la famille. Repose en paix Tom. Arte et Marte.
Dave Beyea, RCEME LCol (Ret’d)
I had the pleasure to meet and work around Colonel Tom in Ottawa and I appreciated his wit and human touch as a leader. My condolences to his family. RIP
Brian and Lisa Herve
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends. I was very fortunate to have worked for Tom during his time in Gagetown. Our paths continued to cross during Ottawa postings. Tom was always an insightful mentor, true gentleman and genuinely interested in more than just what was occurring in my military life. Furthermore, he was always happy to proudly discuss his dynamic, successful family. Tom will not be forgotten.
Dan and Linda Van der Grient
Our heartfelt condolences to Claude and family at this very difficult time. May knowing others are thinking of you provide some small measure of comfort.
Col Sonny Hatton, Comd CFB Kingston
Thank you for your incredible service to your country, the CAF and the RCEME Corps. Your family can be extremely proud of your exemplary service and all of your accomplishments.
Diane Clément
Mes sincères condoléances Claude. Mes pensées sont avec toi. ❤️
Kevin Northorp
It has been a privilege to serve with Tom representing the Corps of RCEME. I will always cherish the quality time we spent together and will fondly remember his passion and commitment to the Corps he served. He will be missed but fondly remembered.
Maxime Champagne
J’aimerais offrir mes plus sincères condoléances à Marie-Claude et à toute la famille.
Pierre Archambault
My deepest condolences to the family members and friends
I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I had the privilege of welcoming Tom into 3PPCLI back in 1985 when he arrived as our new Maint O. Later in our careers, we worked together to bring important new equipment into service. He will be fondly remembered. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.