Moe Tembley: A Life of Adventure & Giving

Written by Tom Miller, Magnolia Gardens Resident

Moe Tembley became part of the Magnolia Gardens Family in March 2025, leaving behind his longtime family home in Langley.

This home in Langley, where he had lived for many decades, is now owned by his granddaughter and her husband. While his life is deeply connected to British Columbia, his roots stretch back to Saskatchewan. His parents, originally from Quebec,  moved to Spiritwood, Saskatchewan in the early 1900s.

In 1940, they relocated to Vancouver, settling at Homer and  Smyth Street. Though Moe’s siblings were all born in Saskatchewan, Moe himself entered the world at St. Paul’s Hospital in 1944.

Moe’s early years in Vancouver were filled with change. His family moved to the area of Kingsway and Victoria Drive, he attended Lord Selkirk School. He later graduated from St. Mary’s Junior High Catholic School, where he was taught by the sisters of the Child Jesus. Then Moe progressed to attend high school at Vancouver College. During these years, Moe played box lacrosse and worked part-time at Spotless Cleaners in Vancouver.

After high school, Moe enlisted in the Canadian Air Force, launching on a journey that would take him across Canada. His first posting took him to St. Jean, Quebec, his parents’ home province before transferring to St. Sylvester, Quebec, as a radio technician stationed at the Mid-Canada Radar Line. Moe was on duty during two defining events of the 1960s – The Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of the U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

In 1964 , Moe left the RCAF and moved back to Vancouver for a short while, working with the B.C. Telephone Company before embarking on another adventure – this time to Edmonton, Alberta.

He spent three years at the Campus St. Jean University of Alberta earning his teaching Certificate. Moe accepted a position in St. Paul, Alberta, where he met Lucille, who would become his wife.

By 1971 Moe had returned to British Columbia, this time with Lucille and their two children, Richard and Joanne. Moe began teaching Math at St. Thomas More High School. His family faced an unimaginable tragedy that same year with the loss of their son Richard to crib death.  Lucille and Moe had another baby girl Michelle who was born on Christmas Day 1972.

Despite life’s many challenges, Moe continued shaping many young minds as an educator, first at Poppy School and later at Brookswood Senior Secondary. During his tenure at Brookswood, he taught Math to more than 2,500 students, leaving a lasting impact on generations of learners.

In 2001, Moe retired, putting down his chalk and equation books. Due to his adventurous nature, retirement did not mean slowing down-it became a time of purpose and service. He volunteered at a soup kitchen, assisted in counting Sunday offerings at his church and worked as a groundskeeper for the Spirit of Formation Retreat House. Moe suffered another heartbreaking loss when Lucille passed away from COPD in 2005 at just 60 years of age. Though grief was part of this life chapter, Moe continued to embrace each day with purpose and faith.

Today Moe thrives at Magnolia Gardens, surrounded by new friends, enjoying healthy meals and staying active in ways that bring him joy. He continues his lifelong tradition of giving back to his community. When asked about what’s next, Moe’s response is simple yet profound. “This is not the end-the story continues. Life is always an adventure.”