Speakers recall mayor’s dedication to church, community and students

By Cathy Ingalls
Albany Democrat-Herald

It was to be a service filled with memories and celebration for those whose lives were touched by Albany Mayor Doug Killin’s gifts, said Patricia Evans, lead pastor of the First Christian Church. And so it was.

About 450 people attended Killin’s memorial Thursday afternoon at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. Those entering the building passed by a 16-by-27-foot American flag draped from the end of a ladder extended from an Albany fire truck.

Once family members were led into the room by bagpiper Scotty MacRae, Evans told the group, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Don’t be sorrowful or sad about his soul. He is in good hands.”

Three speakers representing aspects of Killin’s life recalled his dedication to the church, to the community and to his students.

Retired pastor Ray Lindley remembered that Killin loved thoughtful and well-crafted words, that he knew how to deliver just the right word to keep his home and schools pointed in the right direction.

“He was patient, kind and selfless,” Lindley said. “He left us the richness of his life.”

Steve Bryant, former Albany city manager who had known Killin for 40 years, said that “over the past dozen years, most of the projects in the city had his stamp.” He said Killin’s contributions connected people to their roots. “The roots he put down here will continue to shape Albany’s future.

“He knew how to bring the passion of history to life, and he protected what is good and healthy in the valley. His was a community of inclusion rather than exclusion.”

West Albany High School Principal Susie Orsborn called Killin an educator for life. Orsborn had known him more than 30 years, first as one of his students at South Albany High, then as one of his teachers when he was an administrator and finally as a fellow administrator.

“He was dedicated to the education of each and every child,” she said. “He was a caring leader who was always listening and always fair.”

During the service, Caren Luckenbill played the piano as slides of Killin’s life appeared on a screen. Paul Pritchard sang “Amazing Grace” and “The Great Storm is Over.” Pastor Sara Staton read the last stanza of William Cullen Bryant’s “Thanatopsis,” which Killin requested.

Killin also asked that books be brought to the service to be given to the Albany Public Library. About 60 books were collected.

Killin has been buried in a family plot in Banks in Washington County.