Lifelong Southborough resident George Killam passed away unexpectedly on a trip to Las Vegas last month. Mr. Killam grew up on the family farm on Richards Road and served as a firefighter in the Southborough Fire Department for 29 years.
“George was a valuable member of the department,” Fire Chief John Mauro Jr. wrote in an email. “His mechanical talent came in handy — he could repair anything, including the fire trucks. He led the project of rebuilding the current Rescue truck, which is still in service 23 years later! He was a mentor to many of the senior members of the department, and will be missed.”
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Morris Funeral Home on Main Street. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 11:00 am at First Community Church on Highland Street. Burial will follow in the Rural Cemetery.
Below is Mr. Killam’s full obituary.
George F. Killam, 67, a life long resident of Southborough, died on February 22, 2011, unexpectedly while on his annual vacation in Las Vegas.
He was the son of the late Albert E. and Helen (Pierce) Killam. Mr. Killam grew up on the family farm on Richards Road, with a herd of beef cattle. The farm remained active until it was sold in the late 1990’s. George was a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School of Northborough, Class of 1961 and served in the Air Force Veteran, where he received his firefighting training. In 1969 George was appointed a full time firefighter for the town of Southborough and in 1982 was promoted to Captain. In 1998 he retired with over 29 years of service to the town.
George was well known as a good friend and never too busy to lend a hand when asked. He was also known for his ingenuity and creativity in many areas, especially in woodworking and for his famous vegetable garden, where last year his tomato plants were 14 feet tall!!
He is survived by his children, Katherine Killam of Johnson, VT; Kevin Killam and his wife Kelli of Las Vegas; Wesley Killam and his wife Michelle of Southborough; a sister, Ruth Dawes and her husband Donald of Lincoln; 4 grandchildren, Shawn Pugh, of Phoenix, AZ; Morgan, Heather and Matthew Killam, of Las Vegas; and his special friend, Carol Bradway, of Holden.
(Photo courtesy of the Southborough Fire Department)
George was truly a one of a kind, generous man, which would give the shirt off his back to help someone.
I can remember falling on emotionally troubling times and George came by and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pulling me to my feet, brushing me off, and giving me that push I needed. He wouldn’t let up to the point I started to hate him for it, now I love him for it and wonder where I would have been without him. He wouldn’t give up on me or any of his friends.
Some time later I hit another bump in life, not as serious, but a bump. In Georges usual unselfishness, he offered me the unconditional use of his wood working shop to help me stay busy and keep my mind off things. Again George was there without even asking.
Truly George will be missed and forever be in all our hearts and minds.