Outreach van volunteer Nathan Templeton farewelled in Geelong

Nathan Templeton, left, was a much-loved and valued volunteer with the Geelong Salvo Outreach Van.

BY MAJOR MAL DAVIES

Media figure and Salvation Army volunteer Nathan Templeton was farewelled yesterday (19 April) in a moving tribute at the Geelong Football Club attended by hundreds of people from the club and the local community.

Nathan's warmth and kindness was known to all.

A Seven Network sports reporter for more than a decade, Templeton was also known to fans of Sunrise and was the ground announcer on game day at GMHBA Stadium for the Cats.

He passed away suddenly on 9 April, experiencing a medical episode while walking his dog near the Barwon River. He was married with two children.

Templeton had also volunteered regularly on the Geelong Outreach Van, run by the South Barwon Corps, and he was a well-known and popular figure amongst the homeless community of Geelong. He was known for his engaging conversation with disadvantaged community members and his kindness and empathy.

His involvement with The Salvation Army was referenced at the tribute ceremony, and guests were asked not to provide flowers but to make a donation to the outreach van program.

Nathan, left, will be missed and remembered by the Salvo team and all those whose lives he touched.

"Nathan was someone who could easily talk to and engage with anyone he would meet on the Geelong Salvo Outreach Van," said the Geelong Salvo Outreach Family. "If someone was living in their car, a tent or just doing life tough on the streets of Geelong, he had the incredible ability to show warmth. Nathan would speak wonderful words of kindness, encouragement, in a sensitive non-judgmental way, one of Nathan's true gifts.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all his close friends at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, Nathan."