J. Martin Temple, an influential Fresno architect, musician and community leader passed away on February 6, 2019 at age 84. Temple played a critical role in the establishment of Valley Public Radio, and served as president of the White Ash Broadcasting Board of Directors when KVPR debuted on the Fresno airwaves in October of 1978.
Station co-founder Von Johnson says Temple’s leadership helped bring KVPR to life.
“Martin was a dynamic guy, a real leader we all learned from. He recognized the passion and determination we had for the project. His late wife, Bobbie, was the daughter of then-Congressman Bernie Sisk. Richard [Mays] and I visited Mr. Sisk in Washington D.C. in 1976 and he was instrumental in helping us achieve our goals with Valley Public Radio,” said Johnson.
Temple was a lifelong fan of classical music and specifically choral music. He was an active member of the Fresno Community Chorus for over 45 years.
Current Valley Public Radio President and General Manager Joe Moore says Temple’s legacy in the valley will be felt for decades to come.
“Martin’s leadership helped build Valley Public Radio, and so much else here in the valley. From his firm’s design of the Fresno State Music Building, to his commitment to the arts, and of course Valley Public Radio, he made an impact on countless lives in our region. We are all the better for his works," said Moore.
