Bob and Mary Templin
Overview for the Post Falls History Walk by Kimberly Rice Brown
In the 1980’s, regional hospitality leaders, Bob and Mary Templin brought their business acumen to Post Falls. They builttheir home along the Spokane River in 1982, and four years laterconstructed Post Falls’ first full service, convention center, hotel, and marina. Expandingtourism services along the Spokane River, they connected scenic excursions to Lake Coeur d’ Alene with Post Falls’ first riverboat.
Like town founder, Frederick Post, the Templins envisioned the town’s growth and development. They built their businesses on some ofPost’s original land holdings. In promoting their business, they promoted Post Falls’ business and tourism potentials. They spearheaded the development of the town’s first full cloverleaf at Exit 5 on I-90, and channeled visitors and customers through the old downtown of Post Falls. In addition to the convention center, they also developed the MilltownService Center and the Falls Park apartment complex.
Old fashioned hard work and perseverance shaped the Templins’ work ethic and values. Bob grew up on an Eastern Washington farm, and as a very young man worked in Ritzville restaurants. Mary grew up on a farm in Missouri, and later became an airline stewardess. Both experienced the impacts of world events likethe Great Depression and World War II. Those experiences shaped their business and civic lives.
As Post Falls celebrated its Centennial in 1991, the vision for its future was being talked about by political and economic leaders visiting Post Falls. These leaders often met, visited, dined and enjoyed their stay at Templin’s Resort and Convention Center. The hotel complex was a vibrant, bustling hub of activity.
The Templins set the foundation for expanding the town’s potential with the development of an urban renewal program, the promotion and improvement of new parks, and downtown revitalization. As the old downtown redeveloped, it maintained a blend of the old and the new influences.
The Templins believed and taught “customer service”. They believed that staying in a hotel, and being served, was similar to the hospitality that you would show a guest in your own home. Attention to detail and quality personal service was a corporate mainstay. They continually improved on the many ways to serve “meat and potatoes” along with providing that special something from Mrs. T’s Boutique.
The Templins’transferred the concept of quality service from business to civic affairs. This included their involvement in Christ the King Lutheran Church, national and state tourism organizations,the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Post Falls Tourism, the Post Falls Historical Society, American Legion Post 143, and the City of Post Falls. Communication, and behind the scenes leadership, were part of the Templins’ style of doing business.
In their later years, the Templin’s shared their personal stories and insights into life. They continually connected with multi-generations of their family, enjoying the beauty of our natural surroundings. Their valuesof hard work and familywere part of the Templin core. Bob and Mary Templin were inspired by Post Falls’ potential, and contributed to that promise for future generations.
Sources: Personal interviews, 1998, 2010, Robert G. and Mary W. Templin archives from Templin and Associates, Post Falls Historical Society oral video history, April 23, 1998.