Obituary of Robert J. Temple

Dr. Robert J. Temple, 3/12/1942 - 4/3/2014. Robert Temple died April 3rd after a two-year struggle with prostate cancer. He lived these past two years with courage and dignity, teaching family and friends how to love and live despite obstacles. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judith L. Temple; son, Datta Khalsa (Mari); daughters, Rebecca Kepner (Craig) and Elizabeth Dafferner (Alec); sisters, Sue Temple (Ed Deasy), Judith K. Temple (Carl Schwersinske), Irene Temple (Mike Redmond); beloved grandchildren, Sibri, Cadi, Luke and Wyatt; nephew, Seth Fischer; nieces, Rachael Reeves, Sarah Martinez and Leah Schwersinske. Also extended family members of his wife's family, the Lukmire clan, who thanked Judy for bringing Bob into their family and livening it up. Bob brought spirit and wit to any gathering. He had a deep and far-ranging intelligence and was especially knowledgeable in the fields of music, medicine and literature. Bob was a talented pianist and cellist, who enjoyed entertaining family and friends with selections from Bach and Chopin to boogie woogie. He was an avid cyclist; he and Judy logged many miles on the tandem. He rode in El Tour de Tucson numerous times and, on a vacation to Europe, rode some of the stages of the Tour de France. Bob was born in New York City and moved to Tucson with his family in 1944. He attended University Heights elementary school, Roskruge Junior High, and graduated from Tucson High in 1960. His undergraduate work was at the University of Arizona; he received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins and also did his residence in psychiatry there. Before that point he had interned at San Francisco General and spent two years working in a prison hospital for the Public Health Service in Dallas. In Baltimore, after his residency at Hopkins, he taught at Sheppard Pratt Hospital as an assistant professor and also practiced psychiatry and supervised clinics there. After his time at Sheppard Pratt, he had a private practice in Columbia, Maryland, for many years. Bob led a life of emotional and professional fulfillment. He and Judy enjoyed their family and friends, travel, good wine, and Judy's excellent cooking. His family and friends will miss his wisdom, his energy, and his compassion. His friend Annette aptly cited a quotation from Shakespeare in her condolences: "He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again." A Memorial Service will be held in Columbia on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Donations in Bob's name may be made to prostate cancer research or to any hospice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.