Brother Temple: A Giant Tree Among Us Has Fallen

CTA motorman Erin Temple has died. 

I worked with this unique brother for a few years at the CTA. Ironically, despite being a House fan, I never knew about his connection to House music.

From the first time we met in 2019, our conversations were always about union and working conditions. He took great interest in whatever petition or flier or newsletter I brought to the Howard Terminal.

He would drill me with questions and share ideas. It was always a positive experience, despite our disagreements. He would challenge my motives. Test my spirit. I can say with confidence that I passed each time.

He really cared a lot about his job and hated the business union regimes—just like me. So we always hit it off well. I could relate to his frustrations.

He would lament about the lack of responsibility he saw in members that let the elected leaders get away with selling us out. Despite his growing dissatisfaction with our circumstances, he never stopped encouraging me to keep up the pressure on elected union leaders.

He also would rightly criticize coworkers for cutting corners and not taking our jobs seriously. 

When I last saw him a month ago, he was visibly angry. He said “I ain’t talking with union people but I will talk with you.” I said “Thank you, brother.” He told me how he wished the new generation would get serious about fixing the problems.

I was so happy to see him and introduce him to another union steward that was with me. Brother Erin was gracious to engage us.

At that time, I sensed something was off-balance for his health. However, I never like to pry into members' lives.

But now I wish I would have made a call or visit to check up on him. I don’t know if it would have made a difference, but these are the kind of regrets I deal with when a union member suddenly passes away.

Not only was Brother Erin a giant among us in seniority, but he was tall like a tree. In the forest, whenever a big tree falls, it leaves a permanent empty space for generations.

May the God be pleased with this brother. He will forever be remembered by me as a free-thinker and a passionate union man that actually gave a damn.