Frederic Temple

OXFORD - Frederic W. Temple, 69, died peacefully on March 21, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family, having valiantly battled cancer for the third time. He was born in 1943 to the late John P. and Kathleen (Birtwell) Temple in Leominster. Fred was a decorated veteran of the United States Navy, having bravely served his country during the Vietnam War. He married Kathleen (Mitchell) Temple and upon his return from overseas, Fred attended the University of Massachusetts - Boston, and earned a degree in political science. He was employed in several professional and managerial capacities during his career, but truly loved working with big diesel truck engines, and spent the later years of his life happily doing so as a diesel mechanic. Fred had many interests and was an avid learner and student of life; he read voraciously, was expertly conversant on a wide variety of topics, and enjoyed spirited discussions and lively debates. Fred loved motorcycles, car racing, ships & boats, and airplanes, and was blessed with the ability to adroitly diagnose and expertly & creatively repair or enhance anything with an engine or moving parts of any kind. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and their home on Squam Lake. Fred was also a "foster parent" for the New England Brittany Rescue, providing a safe and loving haven for Brittany dogs in need of care. Most of all, Fred loved being surrounded by his wife, his children, his adoring and beloved grandchildren, and his own Brittanys, all of whom cherished and will miss the love, unwavering support and enduring guidance he provided during his lifetime. His bravery, humor and love of life could never be dimmed by any disease and he lived his life until the very end with honor, good grace, and faith in God. He is survived by Kathleen, his loving wife of 46 years; and by his children, his daughter Christine Doyle and her husband Christopher of Bellingham, his daughter Cheryl Temple of Framingham, and his son John Temple of Ravena, NY; and his grandchildren, Lindsay, Matthew, and Joseph. He will be missed with great sorrow by his brother Philip B. Temple and his family of Pepperell; his sister Sarah Cavanaugh and her family of Wakefield; and his brother, Thomas A. Temple and his family of Fitchburg. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013, at Grace Episcopal Church, 270 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at North Cemetery in Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New England Brittany Rescue, c/o Bonnie Paiva, 829 Mill St., Marion, MA 02738, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 (www.lls.org), or to the Oxford Public Library, 339 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.