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
Pierre Lemieux (LCol-Retired, RCEME)
Tom and Kathy Fleming
So sad. Our prayers are with Tom’s wife and family. Many fond memories of Tom at Pineview as both a Marshall and a member of the seniors golf club - especially our “Tacky Tuesdays” dress apparel with Gord Gray and Ken Fleming.
LCol (Rtd) Chuck Shawcross
Tom, we didn't share much time together despite parallel careers in the RCEME Corps, but I saw that you were loved, respected, and appreciated by all. I will miss your "chirping" at the RCEME bowling. RIP
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired RCEME) Jacques Gobin, CD
I first met Tom when he was my Directing Staff in 1987 at the RCEME School. He was tough, but fair, and I learned a lot from him then. Our paths crossed several times through the years, most notably at Bill Smiley's funeral in 2004, another sad event but one where he again showed his humane side, when I was EME Career Manager and he DLEPS, where we collaborated on RCEME's most valuable resource, its people, and lastly at the Navan Curling Club, where he always that big smile of his.
Huguette and Alain
Tom was a great man and a great friend. I'm am immensely glad we crossed paths and became good friends. He will be missed but not forgotten. He was one of my blog coaches which helped a lot.
Maj (Ret'd) David Blake-Knox
Tom burst into my awareness at RMC and was a solid friend throughout college, LORE phase training and onwards to Lahr and what for me was an almost 43 year career in uniform. The funeral was well put together and I wish I could have attended. I could have shared a variety of tales of our antics together. I am sure he would not object to my absence as I am in Whistler to do something we did often together in the 80's --- skiing. The funeral service also gave me chance to reflect on the man that Tom was ..... even learning how to cook. When he came over to my place for dinner in Lahr it was always me that did the cooking not suspecting there was a hidden talent in my guest. I have already (re) sent the photos I submitted for his DWD. If any more (I have quite of few with a younger TT captured) are wanted I can share these. Marie Claude: Deepest sympathy to you and your family from David Claude Blake-Knox and Ewa Blake-Knox. Sent from Whistler @ -40C.
Tim P. Distant family and friend
I can not say how shocked I was to hear of Tom’s passing… My deepest sympathy and condolences to Marie-Claude, his daughters, his large family, and many colleagues/friends.
May you rest in peace my friend.
Soldier on Thomas, soldier on…
Tim P.
I knew Tom from my early years in the RCEME Branch and was very sad to learn of his passing.
Please accept my sincere condolences and know that Tom and his family are in my prayers at this very difficult time.