Joseph B. Killian was born at Memorial Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, to Ferman and Billie Jean on January 13, 1965. He grew up in Amboy, playing in the woods around Cedar Creek and their cabin on Mount Saint Helens. Even though he was an only child, his parents both came from large families, so Joe was raised with many cousins. Family was very important, and there were many gatherings involving music, family, and fun. They took many vacations across the United States and the Hawaiian Islands. They loved to camp on Mount Adams, and many days were spent fishing and searching for Sasquatch.
He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1983 and had already started his path in public service. He obtained his EMT certification and worked for North Country EMS and volunteered for the Volcano Rescue Team (Mt. St. Helens). This led him to a summer job at Pine Creek as well as an EMT position on the State Route 504 project, rebuilding and creating a tunnel after the mountain blew.
He attended the Paramedic Training Institute of Portland and PSU, studying pre-med while working for American Ambulance.
Joe scored very high on the MCAT test and had aspirations of becoming a doctor. Plans changed when he decided to go into the fire service. He joined Clark County Fire District 6 in 1991 as a firefighter/paramedic and never looked back. He was a dedicated member of the district for over 26 years and also served his brothers and sisters as a shop steward for the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1805.
Away from work, Joe made every outing an adventure—camping, boating, fishing, clamming, picking huckleberries near Trout Lake, Alaska fishing trips, trying to make his Camaro float in Lake Billy Chinook, cooking his famous fried chicken, SCUBA diving, skiing, and winning a hairiest chest award. If there was a wood stove burning or a campfire roaring, Joe was happiest sitting around telling stories and laughing. He had a great big laugh that always put a smile on your face.
Joe was a dedicated friend and son. After his mother passed away, Joe and his dad were inseparable. Joe made sure Ferman was well cared for and took him to his appointments and made a day of doing errands together.
Joe was a great friend, family member, and firefighter/paramedic. He lost his battle with an occupational-related cancer in January 2022 and is dearly missed by many.
You dedicated your entire life to others with humbled and love. Your infectious smile and love for others will always be remembered. We miss you dear friend.
– Beth Kutzera