Herbert H. Killam was born to Roy and Nellie Belle (Gonser) Killam on Dec. 26, 1918, in Pickering, Missouri. Herbert along with his parents and sisters Pauline and Evelyn, moved to Sumas in the spring of 1935 and he graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1936. In his early years he enjoyed playing basketball and roller skating.
On Feb. 5, 1955, Herbert married Grace Feltren and together they ran a Jersey dairy farm at Five Corners until his retirement. Herbert was a dedicated member of Sumas Advent Christian Church for more than 80 years. Herbert enjoyed cutting firewood to heat his home and selling the occasional load of gravel from Killam Pit. His family was very important to him and he was a much-loved father and grandfather. At 96 years of age, Herbert, with the help of his children and especially Gene, was able to live in the house that he built himself until just one week prior to his passing on Aug. 11, 2015.
Herbert is survived by his children: Gene Killam of Sumas, Candace and husband Galen Laird of Lynden, Gale Killam of Sumas and Cheri Killam-Bomhard and husband Keith of Alabama; and grandchildren Kyle Laird of Lynden and Jeff and wife Renee Laird of Everson.
Herbert was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Grace; and sisters Pauline Nims and husband Don and Evelyn Massey and husband Ross.
A time of visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, in Gillies Funeral Home. A graveside committal was held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Sumas Cemetery followed by a memorial service in Sumas Advent Christian Church, 125 Front St., Sumas, with a reception following.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
