James David Temple

David Temple was born in Hertford in England, but his father worked in India and he spent his first years there before returning to England with his mother to live in Eastbourne after Indian independence. He won a scholarship to Eastbourne College where he rose to become a a School Prefect, Head of House, a member of the Rugby 1^st XV and Captain of Athletics. He went up to Queens’ College Cambridge in 1955 where he was one of the first to study Veterinary Medicine. He had become interested in animals at an early age keeping pigeons and having an extensive butterfly collection. In Eastbourne he met his wife Nancy who was training at a PE College. They married in 1959, were together for 63 years and had four children.

After graduating David took a position in New Zealand providing veterinary care for dairy herds. In 1970 they returned to England and settled in Witheridge, David being a farm vet in rural North Devon. He later developed an interest in equine stud work, which included racehorses.

David and Nancy retired to Sidmouth in South Devon renewing their love of being by the sea. David became President of a Croquet club. Other interests included painting, touring in Europe with a caravan and supporting Exeter Rugby Club.

 David was known for his generosity, tenacity and impish sense of humour.