Timothy Killefer

Timothy Killefer passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024 at his home in Sisters. He was 69.

Tim Killefer

Tim chose his birthday to use medical aid in dying (MAID), completing his circle of life. Radiation therapy had arrested his cancer decades ago but left a legacy of atrophied muscles and nearly unbearable pain that attacked with a vengeance in 2021. There was no cure, and Tim turned to the MAID program to guide his family through the inevitable ending of his life.

He lived a full life, by his own measure. After his cancer retreated in the late 1990s, Tim had continued to pursue his passion for adventure, satisfying his tenacious curiosity about nature, math, and science, coupled with a talent for making meaningful connections.

Tim's motto was this: "I will go anywhere, at any time, to go and talk to anyone, about anything." And he did. He visited all 50 states and 27 countries, eager to immerse himself in local cultures. Born in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, in 1955, his travels began as a youngster as the family moved often for his dad's career. Tim and his three brothers grew up outside, generating a lifetime of memories of sibling hijinks and daring escapades on land and sea. His adult adventures took him from Manhattan to Montreal, Hong Kong to Hawaii, from Stockholm to Seattle. He especially enjoyed traveling for his birthday, amassing memorable moments in Paris, San Francisco, and the Bahamas among many other destinations. His choice to die on his birthday to embark on his last journey made perfect sense.

Tim earned his bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University. In his 40s, he went back to school at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, to become a teacher, where he met his wife, Jane, and her children Patrick and Anne. He taught middle school math for two decades in the Salem-Keizer School District. Tim and Jane, an alternative education teacher, were mentors to many inside and out of the classroom and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need.

The year of his initial cancer diagnosis, Tim's home state of Oregon had passed the Death with Dignity Act. Tim was passionate about sharing his story and decision to use medical aid in dying. Strong believers in giving back to his community, Tim and Jane hosted many Death with Dignity conversations with family and friends, culminating in a public event discussing his MAID decision in September.

Jane, his wife of 23 years, son Patrick (Lauren), grandchildren Brennan and Lilah; daughter Anne (Noah); and beloved black Labrador, Kenzie, remain to carry on his legacy. His firm belief was that we all have a spirit or soul that is carried on by those who love us, intertwined with and by nature and the great energy of whatever the other realms there may be. Before he passed away, he encouraged his family and friends to "say my name" to help keep his spirit and love alive, and to talk about hard topics like death.

Tim was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Helen Louise Campbell Killefer. In addition to his wife and children, Tim is survived by brothers Campbell (Madeline) Killefer of Annapolis, Maryland; Peter (Molly) Killefer of Ashland, Oregon; Brian (Heather) Killefer of Holden Beach, North Carolina; and by five equally beloved nephews and nieces: Harrison, Dana, Ellen, Ian, and Ned.

His ashes will be spread into the earth at three of his favorite places: his birthplace, Hermosa Beach, California; in Hawaii and in Mineral King (Jane's family cabin), California.

No services are planned. Memorial donations can be directed to Partners In Care Bend, Peaceful Presence Project, and End of Life Choices Oregon.