Former Sunrise presenter Nathan Templeton’s time with the Salvos revealed as family, friends and colleagues say goodbye
Nathan Templeton was clearly at home in front of a camera. But it has been revealed the dad and TV star, who died unexpectedly last week, was just as at home quietly helping those in need.
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Nathan Templeton made his name in front of the camera, but it was behind the scenes where he was having an impact in more recent times.
The 44-year-old had been quietly donating his time to the Salvation Army’s outreach van, providing vital resources and support to those doing it tough.
Templeton’s wife, Kate Coghlan, said the former Sunrise presenter had a strong sense of community and always wanted to give back.
“Nath saw the Salvos as a gold standard of serving the community,” she said.
“So volunteering quietly for the Geelong Salvos’ outreach van was a modest way he felt he could help folks in the community doing it really tough, through no fault of their own.”
Templeton, best known for his work on Channel 7’s breakfast program, was found unresponsive on a walking track along the Barwon River in Newtown on April 9.
It is understood the father-of-two suffered a medical episode.
A service to celebrate his life was held Friday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium’s President’s Room.
Among the hundreds of people in attendance were several former colleagues, including Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr and Channel 7 news presenter and Cats number one ticket holder Rebecca Maddern.
Geelong footballer and good friend Cameron Ling was in the crowd, as was Today Show reporter Christine Ahern and ABC journalist Kelli Underwood.
The service was closed to the media.
Salvos volunteer Bradley Ogle said Templeton was a much-loved member of the outreach van family.
“He was always so kind and encouraging, and this was evident in the way people warmed to him,” he said.
“He listened intently, without judgment, and our friends felt safe being vulnerable with Nathan as they shared their struggles with him.
“People left Nathan’s presence feeling appreciated, respected and valued, and we will miss what a blessing he was to our mission.”
Each Wednesday night from 7pm to 1am, the outreach van would stop in a host of Geelong suburbs as volunteers handed out food or supermarket vouchers, particularly to those experiencing homelessness.
After being inundated with offers of assistance, Templeton’s family asked attendees – and the general public more broadly – to consider donating to the Salvos.
Friend and Channel 7 colleague Luke Schneider said Templeton’s volunteering was in keeping with his humble and caring nature.
“Clearly he never expected any recognition,” he said.
“But knowing Nath, he would have totally supported anything that might help drum up a few extra donations to help the Salvos continue their great work in the Geelong community.”
Templeton had been the Geelong Football Club’s ground announcer for the past six years.
Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said the club was not surprised to learn of his time with the Salvos.
“As a proud Geelong person, Nathan’s commitment to football and community was felt by all,” he said.
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Originally published as Former Sunrise presenter Nathan Templeton’s time with the Salvos revealed as family, friends and colleagues say goodbye
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