Mocobizscene- The passing of Ryan Temple, a beloved high school counselor, has left the communities of Long Beach Poly and Millikan in deep sorrow. Ryan Temple, who served as a counselor for many years, passed away unexpectedly in November at the age of 46.
After dedicating over two decades to LBUSD as a counselor, Temple was recognized for his vibrant personality at both Poly and Millikan schools. Following his transfer to Millikan, Temple was fondly remembered by the community. In December, a public family service was held at Parkcrest Christian Church, and a well-attended service took place in the Osman Auditorium at Poly. As a tribute to Temple, the school is currently organizing the installation of a memorial bench.
Temple, a native of Long Beach, was not only a dedicated high school counselor but also a devoted volunteer youth soccer coach and referee. He had a deep passion for the outdoors and often embarked on adventures with his wife, Kendra, and their two children, Austin (12) and Addy (11). Temple’s love for exploring and traveling was a significant part of his life outside of work and brought him immense joy.
Temple was a beloved counselor at both Poly and Millikan. He left behind a lasting legacy of not only assisting students but also inspiring some of them to pursue a similar path.
Daniel Khim, a former Poly student, had Temple as his counselor during his time at the school. Temple, who is currently an LBUSD counselor at the district’s Family Resource Center, was initially at Lakewood High School and has now returned to Poly.
“Ryan Temple played a pivotal role as my counselor close to two decades ago, and his influence is the driving force behind my career as a counselor today,” Khim expressed gratefully. “The profound impact he had on my life ignited a passion within me to make a difference for future generations. As a first-generation Cambodian-American, I lacked emotional support during my upbringing, but Ryan’s guidance and counseling taught me the invaluable skill of resilience. His unwavering support played a significant role in shaping my identity and who I have become today.”
Khim acknowledged that he was aware of numerous individuals in the district who had also been inspired to follow Temple’s footsteps in assisting the younger generation.
“We’ve lost someone truly remarkable,” he expressed, his voice heavy with sorrow. “The impact on our community has been devastating. He possessed a unique combination of compassion, straightforwardness, and humor. He was the type of counselor who fearlessly voiced his opinions because he genuinely cared about our students. Despite the challenges they encountered, he empowered them to recognize their true potential.”
Temple’s passing occurred during a critical period when LBUSD high school counselors are advocating for increased resources and staffing. They argue that these measures will enable them to enhance their support and guidance for LBUSD students.
Khim expressed her hope for increased accessibility to counselors who can provide guidance and support to students in various aspects of their lives – socially, emotionally, academically, and in terms of their career. She emphasized that her intention in sharing this is not to encourage students to pursue counseling as a career, but rather to highlight the positive influence that even one counselor can have on a student from Long Beach, helping them achieve a fulfilling and successful professional path.
Temple’s wife, Kenda, and children Austin and Addy are left behind following his passing. To assist the Temple children, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. It has received an overwhelming response with over 280 donors contributing a total of more than $35,000.
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