Doctor gave as much of himself as he could

Richard Maitland Temple never stopped being a doctor, even when he went to church or during his longtime association with Geneva High School's football team.

He also was known for his colorful wardrobe on the football sidelines.

Temple, 72, died from Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease, Friday at Provena Geneva Care Center. He was a family physician who also served as medical staff president at the former Geneva Community Hosptial. His medical career spanned from 1965 to 1990.

Those who knew Temple recalled how he'd often performed medical duties after attending Sunday services at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva, where he was an ordained elder. He even took care of church members' prescription needs.

"He would just see people in the hallway," said John Gerlach of Geneva, who knew Temple for about 29 years. "He'd write himself notes and go to the church telephone and call the prescription in."

Temple started his family practice in Geneva after moving there in the late 1960s from Dayton, Ohio. He quickly began to make his mark in Geneva as a community leader.

Known as a sports enthusiast and lifelong athlete, Temple became a part of the Geneva High Vikings football team as its volunteer doctor in 1976. He served in that capacity until he retired from medicine in 1990.

Temple's service to the football squad landed him a place in Geneva High School's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. He also was recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society for his contributions to sports medicine.

On the football sidelines, Temple was known for wearing bright plaid or other flamboyant trousers. It was only fitting he donned his trademark colorful pants when he attended the high school's Hall of Fame ceremony.

Temple and his wife, Nancy, moved to Chicago in 1992, where they lived for 13 years.

Harrison Schneider of Batavia said he had the final office appointment for a physical with Temple on the day he retired. He said he heard raves about Temple before he moved to the Tri-Cities area in 1969.

"I would say Dr. Temple was very intelligent," Schneider said. "He was always concerned about the families. He certainly was a perfect person to have as a family doctor."

Along with his wife, Temple's survivors include his daughter Patricia Rocks, son Peter and five grandchildren.

Visitation is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Moss Funeral Home, 206 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia.

A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday at Fox Valley Presbyterian, 227 East Side Drive in Geneva.