Richard “Clay” Killian, 1959 - 2022
USS Leftwich “Plank Owner” GMT3 Richard “Clay” Killian departed December 12, 2022. His 63- year journey in this world ended when he went home to the arms of his loving Savior. Clay passed away at home in Alaska as was his desire after a very long fight with leukemia, which he by the mercy of God defeated. A final battle with lung cancer, he was unable to defeat.
Clay was born in Grants Pass, Oregon to Robert Paul Killian and Charlotte “Chuckie” Killian. He was the fourth born in the family. As a young child he received another dad, Ray Dusenberry. From there the family expanded with many foster brothers and sisters.
Growing up Clay went to many different schools where he was involved in both wrestling and hockey. Clay joined the Navy at 18 and sailed the Pacific Ocean on the USS Leftwich. While in the Navy he continued wrestling and met his best friend, Ruben. Clay and Ruben could get into trouble in any country they visited.
Clay remained in touch with many of his friends from the Navy. His stories were exciting and varied including subjects of traveling the world with the Navy, life in Oregon hunting deer, bear, and many other animals, fishing, and traveling on motorcycle in all types of weather.
In 2004 Clay met his wife Crystal on a visit to Alaska to see his adopted sister Joann. Clay and Crystal were married in 2009. Clay finally settled in Tonsina, Alaska, where the fishing was great, and he was as close to the wilderness as he could get. He was able to spend his remaining 13 years with Crystal enjoying “this wonderful postcard of a state” as he would say.
Clay was predeceased by: His mother, Chuckie Dusenberry; stepfather Ray Dusenberry; sister Ladessa ”Dessa” Norton; niece, Sadie Stephens; brother-in-law, Jeff Ringulet; nephew, Nolan Ringulet; brother William “Willie” Freeman; and sister Joann Pitka.
Clay’s survivors include: His wife Crystal Killian; sons Greg Best, Michael Dierks, Joseph Meyer, Brian Dierks; sisters Ginger Robinson, Trenna (Scott) Edwards; brothers William (Cindy) Wilde, Robert “Clair” Killian, Walter “Lane” Dusenberry; many nieces and nephews and many loving friends.
He will have a private burial on the bluff in Tonsina overlooking the Little Tonsina River, a resting place he chose the first time he walked out to see some of his land he owned. This is where he had fished, dreamed of hunting the great moose he encountered, cut firewood, and visited often while he was able. There will be a “Celebration of Life” in the summer of 2023. Contact 907-259- 5546 regarding this future date.
