Photo via SpareFoot.com
Don Temple was known as an entrepreneur and business-savvy Long Beacher who, after being inspired by Arizona rental garages that were rented out for vacationers, became a king in the business of storage since the late 1960s.
He passed away this past Friday at the age of 85 after having heart issues that he was being treated for.
Building upon his increasing assets–all done without the benefit of a college degree–Temple also became deeply involved in the philanthropic side of business. Following the death of his first wife, Ruth, due to cancer in 1991, he created the Don and Ruth Temple Family Cancer Center at Community Hospital in 1996.
His three Long Beach-area storage facilities, including the original Don Temple U-Store at 3750 E. Spring, are still in operation under the direction of his granddaughter, Sumer Temple. Long Beach U-Store & Lock is located at 3490 E Spring Street and Lakewood U-Store & Lock is located at 2100 E Market Street.
“I am very sad to hear of the passing of Don Temple,” Mayor Bob Foster said in a statement. “He was an innovative businessman who cared deeply about Long Beach and contributed to our City in many ways. Don was very engaged in civic issues and was always positive. He was my friend and I will deeply miss him.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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