By AnneMarie Knepper
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Sunday, January 13, 2008 12:00 am
While Emily Killin sat by her husband Doug's bedside Friday evening, eating dinner and looking over tributes people had written about him, she asked her 6-year-old grandson Ethan to "read to Papa."
Shortly after Ethan started reading "Henry and Mudge in Green Time," a story about a boy and his dog, his grandfather fell asleep.
Killin, 67, who had battled intestinal cancer, died at 7:15 p.m. Friday the way he wanted - surrounded by family.
He had served for the past year as Albany's mayor before resigning last week.
On Saturday, former mayor Chuck McLaran said he first met Killin in 1991 when McLaran had just been appointed to the planning commission and Killin was championing the cause of preserving the historic Monteith House.
McLaran said that when he turned over his mayor's gavel to Killin at the first city council meeting last January, he knew he was leaving the city in good hands.
"He really did not need a lot of advice," McLaran said. "I found him one to look at both sides of the situation and do what he thought was best for the city of Albany."
Steve Bryant, former Albany city manager and like Killin a member of First Christian Church, said Killin led with integrity and wisdom.
"Everything he took on he did with passion," Bryant said. "I was honored to give him the key to the city (on Friday). He was touched by the gesture."
Bryant praised Killin's conservatism with the taxpayers' money. He said one of Killin's greatest legacies was his work on the new water treatment facility achieved through cooperation with the city of Millersburg.
Killin came to Albany as a teacher in 1966 and retired in 1994 when he was assistant principal at West Albany High School.
He served on numerous volunteer and civic boards including the planning commission, city council, Monteith Historical Society, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Albany Visitors Association.
He was an active member of First Christian Church.
Killin is survived by wife Emily, daughters Melissa Brimser of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kathleen Garrett of Milwaukie, son John Killin of Tualatin and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Linn County Fair & Expo Center.
Contributions may be made to the Albany Public Schools Foundation in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321.
Working for the Best
By Wes Hare
Albany City Manager
Editor's note: Wes Hare wrote this tribute to Doug Killin last week. It is posted on the city of Albany's website , http://www.ci.albany.or.us/citymanager/.
Mayor Doug Killin's resignation earlier this week is a loss that may not be widely understood. Cities flourish when intelligent, honest, and mature people are willing to sacrifice their time and energy on behalf of their community. The good things that have happened in Albany over the past decade and longer are not an accident, but the product of contributions of people like Doug. His absence and the loss of his patient leadership mean that others will have to step forward to fill the void. Matching Doug's contributions will be a difficult job.
Doug has been able to bridge gaps between competing points of view on the Council and in the community. He is a careful listener who is considerate and respectful of others' opinions, even when he might have a different perspective. Doug personifies the wisdom of disagreeing without being disagreeable. These attributes allow important things to be accomplished, and Doug has played a significant role in everything from historic preservation to economic development. Doug's knowledge of and passion for local history can be seen in his "office" at City Hall. A number of prints illustrating local history adorn the walls of the cubicle reserved for the Mayor's use, including an 1889 map of the City, an advertisement for a 1930 "Three Window Ford Sedan," and a picture of North Albany from the late 1800s. Doug doesn't dwell in the past, but he appreciates how an understanding of history enriches the present and offers guidance for the future.
Leadership takes many forms, and Doug's style is to lead by example. He is not given to emotional speeches or grand gestures. He chooses to influence others by thoughtful discussion and by involving himself in the issues that are important to him. A new chimney at the Monteith House or some extra dollars for a local community event are examples of little things that happened because of Doug's leadership. Revitalization of downtown, parks, pools, libraries, and other high quality city services are bigger examples of his influence.
I have worked with many elected officials during my career in local government, and most have been dedicated people who really cared about their cities. None that I've worked with have selflessly cared more than Doug.
I am most grateful that Doug chose to continue working as mayor even when his illness made the job much more challenging. It has been a privilege to work for Doug, and I believe all City employees who had the opportunity to work with him regret that it is ending. We are not losing, however, his legacy of commitment and accomplishment. Doug is my idea of what a mayor should be.
Blog: To read Online Editor Graham Kislingbury's tribute to Doug Killin, go to http://www.democratherald.com/dh_blogs/