Lisa Killough

1955 - 2016

Lisa Killough
Dec 6, 1955 - Feb 22, 2016
Los Gatos
Lisa Killough leaves a lasting legacy in the parks, trails, and open spaces she championed, grew, and nourished; and will remain in the hearts of the family, friends, and colleagues who loved and admired her.
Lisa grew up in San Leandro. In 1978 she received a B.S. Degree in Landscape Architecture from UC Davis then became a licensed CA Landscape Architect in 1983. In 1985 Lisa began her career with Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department as a park planner. Her 25-year career with County Parks saw Lisa rise through the ranks until she became the department director in 2002. Lisa was a visionary leader. Her work resulted in major expansion of the County's recreational trail system to over 300 miles, including the preservation of over 10,000 acres of parkland for generations to enjoy.
Lisa enjoyed sharing her passions with friends and family including her hiking group and book clubs. She savored holidays and wine tasting trips with her adored family, and especially treasured being an aunt and great-aunt.
Nature, travel and the great outdoors captured Lisa's heart and spirit. She and her husband, Paul explored China, the Canadian Rockies, and Spain, visited numerous national parks, and took the "trip of a lifetime" to Paris last year. Lisa hiked the John Muir Trail and many sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. She trekked in Nepal and circumnavigated Mont Blanc. In 2013 she walked the entire length of the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, almost entirely on her own.
Lisa was preceded in death by her father, William Killough, mother, Lorraine Killough, and her sister, Marla Killough. Survived by her loving husband, Paul Johannessen; sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Bob Haff; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lynn and Tron Thompson; uncles and aunts: Dave and Roz Wright; Anna-Claire Pavitch; many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 1 pm at historic Casa Grande, 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose. Those wishing to make a memorial gift are invited to contribute toward visitor amenities for the Rancho San Vicente portion of Calero County Park, honoring Lisa's significant role in its acquisition. Such gifts can be sent, with notation or letter indicating that the contribution is in memory of Lisa Killough, to: Santa Clara County Parks, 298 Garden Hill Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Contributions to Hospice of the Valley in Lisa Killough's name are also welcomed, and should be sent to HOV at 4850 Union Ave, San Jose CA 95124 or made at hospicevalley.org.


View the online memorial for Lisa Killough