Ralph Edward Temple, loving and devoted husband, father, and brother, went to God on May 5, 2023.  Ralph was born in 1935 in Chardon, OH to Joseph Virgil and Geraldine Wilmot Temple.

He attended Chardon High School, class of 1953 and went on to study chemistry at Hiram College, class of 1957.  Before graduating, Ralph had an important decision to make, buy an MG or pursue a graduate degree in chemistry.  Thankfully, he opted for the graduate degree and was awarded a fellowship at the University of Hawaii.  Having never been west of Chicago, Ralph valiantly hopped a train to San Francisco; then a ship to Hawaii.  While working on his master’s degree in chemistry, he met a young, undergraduate student, Barbara Jean.  He eventually got up the courage to ask her to marry him (although he’s still searching for the perfect diamond engagement ring for her,) and they had two children.  Seeking a better life for their children, they moved to Whittier, CA where he worked as a research chemist for Pilot Chemical.  Eventually they made their way back to Chardon where Ralph worked for Diamond Shamrock in Fairport Harbor for almost 20 years.  Ralph holds four patents, one of which was the formula for a detergent that was eventually branded as Woolite.   Along with several colleagues, he started a hazardous waste clean-up company and another small business specializing in electronic probes.   Ralph’s wife, Barbara was a math teacher at Chardon High School for 30 years, which created an interesting identity for Ralph.  He once recounted that, although he grew up and lived most of his life in Chardon, he was still known as “Mrs. Temple’s husband.”

An avid golfer, Ralph and his long-time golfing buddies made three pilgrimages to St. Andrews in Scotland, the birthplace of golf.  To their delight they even got to play on the old course twice.  Ralph always enjoyed a good game of the tennis, having played varsity tennis for Hiram College with an undefeated season his senior year.  A talented woodworker, he created beautiful lathe-turned bowls and table lamps. Custom furniture and the like of his own design emerged from his basement workshop.  One year, Ralph even won a blue ribbon at the Great Geauga County Fair for a lathed turned-lamp.

Ralph was an exceptional father who always made time for his children.  He was ever encouraging and taught his children to look for the good in the world, even when it seems difficult to find.  He instilled in them a curiosity and love of the natural world.  He was a devoted immediate and extended family man who was a steadying influence within the family.   Quick to lend a hand to family, friends and even strangers, Ralph was the epitome of a gentleman.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children Mary Beth and Joe (Geri) and two of his five siblings, Kathy Temple (Gerry Blair, deceased) and Kenny Temple (Donna.)

He is predeceased by his parents; his sister Jeanette and Eileen and brother, Art.

He is missed with all of our hearts.  We are so lucky to have had him in our lives and to have him with us always.  We can still hear his hearty laugh and see his beautiful smile.

If you would like to honor Ralph, please support the Hospice or Alzheimer’s Disease organization of your choosing.

Private Family services were held.