Maitland Town Hall overflowed with people wanting to pay their respects to David James Templeton, a senior Rural Fire Service Inspector and a member of the State Emergency Service, who died after a long battle with cancer.
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More than 500 friends, family and colleagues gathered to remember Mr Templeton yesterday morning.
They described him as a family man, a devoted husband and father, and a good mate.
Police blocked a section of High Street between the Maitland Regional Art Gallery and the Ken Tubman Drive intersection while an RFS and SES escort accompanied the hearse that carried Mr Templeton past a guard of honour that lined the city’s main street.
Mr Templeton is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Cassandra and sons Braden and Sean.
His close friend, Lower Hunter RFS community safety officer Bert Pipan, was one of a number of people who paid tribute to the 49-year-old yesterday.
“Dave was a good friend to many and could be counted on and always depended on,” Mr Pipan said.
“Whether you needed a sound counsel, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on or a drinking buddy, who didn’t drink, and a golfing partner – he was there.
“Tempo was ready, steadfast, willing and good fun. As I look out at the faces here in front of me, I see many of Dave’s friends and I know that you too will miss the friendship that Tempo brought into our lives.”
Mr Pipan said his mate was a role model and an inspiration who always took the chance to mentor young people who were going through the ranks of the RFS and SES.
“Tempo always shared his expertise with all his colleagues, he worked hard and consistently, and never stopped learning,” he said.
“He never sat back and became complacent.
“It is very hard to say goodbye and we don’t want to, but we need to remember that he touched so many people’s lives, so positively. He leaves an amazing legacy behind.
“Dave left the world a better place than when he found it; and for that we will always be grateful.”