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William Todd Killian

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Brigham Young University

William Killian Obituary

William Todd Killian, 50, died Feb. 7, 2010, in Kaysville, Utah.

He was born July 18, 1959, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Harvey Elmer Killian Jr. and Alta Harper Killian.

Todd was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served a faithful mission in Dearborn, Mich. He married the love of his life, Marie Hancey, on Aug. 16, 1985, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. His biggest joys in life have always been the gospel and his family, and his attitude toward his work as an instructional designer reflected that. If Todd didn't have to be at work, he wasn't. He loved learning, especially literature, and spent countless hours reading books with his children. He loved to travel and made extraordinary efforts to make family vacations special.

He was a talented writer who graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a Masters of Public Administration. He wrote both poetry and short stories, not to mention insightful letters to his sons while they served LDS missions. He developed a love of woodworking from his father-in-law and became a skilled artisan.

A lover of the outdoors, Todd spent every birthday during the years his sons were in Boy Scouts in a tent in the Uintah Mountains. He was a constant fixture at T-ball games, band concerts, violin recitals and Elder's Quorum service projects.

The family would like to thank Dr. Carl Gray and the many nurses who cared for him during his two year fight with cancer. Todd's courage and endurance in the face of extreme suffering was remarkable. He will be greatly missed.

Todd is survived by his father, Harvey; four siblings, Val Killian (Lynne), Arn Omanson (Lyle), Ann Killian and Kevin Killian; wife, Marie Hancey Killian; and children, Michael Todd Killian, Matthew H. Killian and Anna Marie Killian.

Todd's celebration will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the LDS chapel on 1282 W. 1875 North in Farmington, Utah. Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Russon Brother's Mortuary, 1940 N. 1075 West in Farmington, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in Kaysville Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register on Feb. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for William Killian

21 Entries

Carol Snow

February 22, 2010

Dear Uncle Buzz and the Killian Family:

Our love and prayers are sent your way. We love our "Harper" relatives and are honored to be considered family in the Killian household. May a loving Heavenly Father bring peace and comfort to Todd's wife and children and to our Killian cousins and their families.

Heartfelt condolences,
Carol (Harper) and Howard J. Snow, American Fork UT
Glenn Wm Harper and wife, Clara,
White City OR

Brenda Lee

February 22, 2010

Dear Marie and family, I am so sad to hear about Todd's passing. He was a wonderful man and set a great example to all of us. Please know that I'm thinking of you and hope you are comforted in the knowledge that you will be with him again. You're a great family and your friendship meant so much to me while I lived in your ward.

Michelle Hansen Howell

February 17, 2010

I grew up with Todd in the Idaho Falls 10th Ward. I have many good memories of the Killian family: Sister Killian as my Home Ec teacher, Bishop Killian as a witness at my marriage, with Todd and many other friends in MIA activities. I send my love and prayers to you all.

Eric Collier

February 13, 2010

Dear Marie and family -

I was blessed to know Todd at work and run into him almost everyday for a few years. I found that we had many similarities. I was impressed by his calm and easy manner. We talked of our families and events in our lives. Todd's deep love for his family was always so very apparent and real. We found joy as my son was called to serve in the mission just across the river from your son in Washington. We talked of joys, struggles, and challenges. Todd always ended our discussions on a faithful note. I couldn't help but continue to notice an increasing number of similarities between us. As his earthly challenges became exponentially greater than mine, I began feeling an increasing love for this man and a deep gratitude for his example in my life. Truly "two (were) in the field; the one (was) taken, and the other left". My life, and everyone in it, will be ever more cherished because I had the chance to know this noble man. I feel blessed by you as well, as I have often walked into his empty cubicle in the past few months and observed your manifest love in the photographs, framed thoughts, and other gifts from his family that were on display. I feel and know that Todd lives now and is looking down on you today and forever. He always spoke of you with the greatest tenderness and love. Even in our last conversations, his greatest concerns were for his loving and wonderful wife. He expressed loving gratitude that his children had been blessed with the ability to strengthen and comfort 'their mother'. May Heavenly Father's greatest blessings be with you always until that great day of reunion and joy.

Scott and Janet Adams

February 13, 2010

Dear Killian family: We were saddened to hear of Todd's struggle with cancer and passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Please know of our love and deep respect for your family. You are such an example of strength in the face of life's hardships.

Scott Robison

February 12, 2010

I am so sorry to hear that Todd passed away. Please accept my heart felt condolences. He was a kind and gentle man who will be missed. I am thankful for his example. May the Lord be with his wife and children at this time.

Gary Smith

February 12, 2010

I had the opportunity to sit next to Todd for 2 years while working at the church offices. When talking with him about almost any subject, you came away with a laugh or a smile and a feeling of relaxed comfort. The way he lived his beliefs showed in all he did. I admire him greatly.

Larry Seawright

February 12, 2010

Todd was a valued colleague who will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his wonderful family including his talented nephews, Spencer and Richard.

February 12, 2010

My deepest sympathies are with you at the passing of your husband, father, and brother. I, too, was a privileged member of his MPA class and would also like to thank you for sharing Todd with us. I loved his insightful questions and comments and the way he always kept us on the path of true principles. He made us laugh, he made us think, and I learned a lot from my association with him. I'll never forget with what deep devotion and love he ALWAYS spoke of his family, and his missionary. I am so sorry he could not sojourn on earth to be a great-grandfather, but I do know his work was "well done," and he was, indeed, a "faithful servant."
My Love and Prayers to you All,
~Gale Larson~

Joyce Hicks

February 12, 2010

Dear Arne' and family,
So sorry to read of your brother's passing and his valiant struggle over the past two years. I never met him but he must have been a wonderful person and sure to be missed until the time comes to reunite as a complete family once again.
Deepest sympathies,

Craig Nelson

February 12, 2010

Todd was a good friend, a great fellow student and delightful man. He and I sat next to each other for three years in the MPA program; we spent many Saturday's together in sometimes frustrating, sometimes comical study sessions; and we enjoyed researching and preparing many projects. For three years Todd and the other members of our small group, became almost like family. I enjoyed his dry humor and quick wit. He had a great concern for others. People are drawn to Todd and cannot help but like him. He, no doubt, is doing a great service in his new assignment. I loved Todd and will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Marie and her family.

Heather Hammond

February 12, 2010

Dear Killian Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss of Todd. Thank you for sharing him with us in our MPA program--we loved getting to know him. I especially appreciated his quiet, thoughtful, yet witty comments. There was no doubt he loved his family and the gospel. I'm grateful he touched my life, and I hope you find peace in happy memories with him.

Laurie Pratt

February 11, 2010

Marie and family, I was so saddened to hear of Todd's passing. Your entire family have always been such a wonderful influence in my life and a great example to me. As you endure this difficult time please know we all love you and wish you comfort and peace at this time. I will pray for you and take comfort in knowing you will all be together again. With Love,

John Thill

February 11, 2010

Dear Killian Family,
I was fortunate to spend 3 years (5 hours per Thursday night) getting to know your husband and father. I would like to thank you for sharing him with our MPA class, I am a better man for knowing him. I appreciate hearing his heartfelt prayers, witnessing his love of learning, laughing at his sense of humor, and being uplifted by his devotion to the Gospel. May you find comfort during this difficult time knowing that Todd touched so many lives by living his to the fullest. Many people are reflecting back on their time with him and thanking Heavenly Father for allowing their paths to cross with his, I am no exception.

J. Elizabeth Christensen

February 11, 2010

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Husband and Father. I worked with him years ago. He was always so thoughtful.

Mandi Russell

February 11, 2010

Dear Killian's, You are in my prayers. What a blessing it is to know that through Jesus Christ, you will be reunited with Todd shortly. My love to all of you.

Steve Spackman

February 11, 2010

Marie, Michael, Matthew, & Anna: I'm sad and relieved to hear of Todd's passing. I'm sad he's not with you anymore but relieved that he's not in pain. He is a great friend, neighbor, fellow church member, and co-worker. I am grateful to know Todd on so many levels. I have a lot of admiration for him. He does what is right but is never pretentious about it. He puts you at ease, and makes you laugh. My deepest condolences.

Jennifer Pollei

February 11, 2010

Dear Michael,
I did not know your dad, but after reading about him in the obituary, I wish I had. I see he gave you the gift of loving literature. And I see your eyes in his. Please know we are thinking of you down here and wish you joy and strength.

Scott Newbold

February 11, 2010

Dear Killian Family:

Your husband and father is a great man. I enjoyed working with him in PFD at the Church. He helped me with several projects over the years. His talents will be missed. How grateful we are for the great plan of happiness which makes this life only a moment in the eternities. Our prayers are with you.

Scott Newbold

Steve Brimley

February 11, 2010

It was my pleasure to know Todd. I was smart enough to hire him at the church years ago. His skills were great, but his friendship was cherished. I loved to chat with him in his office and hear him talk about his family. He had a fun laugh. We will truly be missing a great man.

Lori Mecham Atchison

February 11, 2010

So sorry to hear about the death of Todd. He was in my ward growing up in Idaho Falls--was good friends with my older brother, Kirk. He taught my Sunday School class shortly after returning from his mission. All of the girls were in love with him. He was a great example of living and loving the gospel. I hope you feel the presence of the Comforter at this time.

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