Obituary: Gordon Temple FIQ (1934–2025)

IQ saddened to report the passing of stalwart of the Yorkshire branch for nearly 60 years

It is with great sadness that the Yorkshire branch of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) wishes to record the passing of Gordon Temple FIQ on Tuesday 14 January 2025. Gordon had been a stalwart of the Yorkshire branch for nearly 60 years, during which time he was Chairman twice, from 1996–98 and again from 2011–12. He also held the remarkable record of organizing the annual Yorkshire branch Dinner and Dance for almost all that time, only latterly taking a less-active role as his health began to deteriorate. He took particular pleasure in presenting cheques to St Gemma’s Hospice, Martin House, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the three charities supported by the branch, with funds raised at the dinner dance raffle. Gordon began his life underground in the Yorkshire collieries as a shotfirer, before joining Explosives and Chemical Products (ECP) in 1979 as a supplier of explosives both to the mines and the surface extractive industries, eventually rising to be a director. 

‘Gordon had a reputation for being the most immaculately dressed commercial explosives engineer in the business,’ said Ben Williams, IQ President and managing director of EPC-UK (formerly ECP & Exchem). ‘He was a consummate professional who demonstrated on every occasion the core value of respect within our industry. Gordon was an inspiration to me and our business, as well as a truly lovely man. Proud of his position within the IQ, he told me during a recent visit that he was determined to mark his 60th year of Institute involvement and that he was delighted to see me, someone who had learned so much from him, become President. Much of our company’s reputation is built on Gordon’s legacy of hard work and commitment, and his place within our team had considerable longevity as until 2016, at 81 years of age, he still performed a consultancy role.’

Even in semi-retirement Gordon continued to maintain contacts with key clients, travelling all over the country from his home on the edge of Harrogate. As mentioned, Gordon was an active participant in the life of the Yorkshire IQ branch as an Affiliate Member, joining in 1965. In those days the rules did not allow him, as a supplier, to be a full member. This did not stop him reaching a high level within the branch and at national level. Eventually, his long service and contribution was recognized and, on recommendation from the Yorkshire branch, he was deservedly created an Honorary Fellow of the Institute in November 2020, which he greatly appreciated. 

Aside from his industry work, Gordon was a keen collector of fine furniture and was also honoured as a Freeman of the City of York. At Gordon’s request, he wishes his funeral to be a private family affair, but the branch will be raising a toast to him at their annual dinner and dance on 22 March. In recognition of Gordon’s commitment and lifelong passion for the Institute and the Yorkshire branch, the Institute will be establishing a new award in his name, the Gordon Temple Award, to recognize individual members who have made significant contributions to their branches and in 2025 will be presented at the annual Fellows’ Lunch.