Ronald Hugh Killen

Ronald Hugh Killen, M.D. passed away in Portland, Oregon on February 14, 2025, six days before his 80th birthday.

Ron was born in Bastrop, Louisiana to Herbert and Ernestine (Mallett) Killen. His family later moved to Monroe, Louisiana where he was raised. From an early age, he excelled academically and athletically. His achievements in middle school track and field were highlighted in the local newspaper. At Neville High School, Ron was a proud member of the Tigers football team, contributing to their undefeated seasons and state championship victories in 1959, 1961, and 1962. He attended Harding College (now Harding University) on a football scholarship, earning a B.A. in Journalism. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army and went to the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he decided to pursue a career in medicine.

Ron earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in anesthesiology, becoming a board-certified anesthesiologist. He found great fulfillment in his medical career and thoroughly enjoyed the work that took him to different parts of the country and the world. He was happy to have lived in New Orleans, San Antonio, San Francisco, DC/Maryland, Tacoma, Portland, Oregon, and New Zealand. He volunteered with Doctors Without Borders, providing medical procedures to orphans in China. A compassionate physician, he reviewed his billing agent's reports and forgave medical bills for patients with financial difficulties.

An avid outdoorsman with an adventurous spirit, Ron found great joy in nature and embraced outdoor recreation with gusto. He was a loving father, and he shared this passion with his wife and three children who he brought with him on his adventures. He was a year-round hiker and backpacker, a dynamic downhill skier who confidently navigated black diamond runs and backcountry trails, a "doc-on-hill" ski patroller at Timberline, and an accomplished whitewater kayaker known for his masterful Eskimo roll as he tackled Class IV and V rapids.

Dr. Killen is survived by his children: Venus Killen, Amanda Killen, Nathan Killen, and Jimmy Jarvis; his former wife, Judith Kan, mother of Venus, Amanda and Nathan; and his sister, Margaret Barrett.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his adventurous spirit, his dedication to medicine, his "care with compassion" for his patients, and his deep love for family and the great outdoors. His motto: "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good" and his spirit of perseverance and adventure are forever imprinted in the minds and hearts of his children.