On May 21, Doug Killingbeck, Milford resident, came upon a frantic scene at the Hubble Dam, aka Milford Dam, while training for an upcoming canoe race.
As Doug portaged over the dam with his canoe, he was confronted with a decision that would change many lives forever.
Two 16-year-old boys had intentionally entered into the rough churning waters at the base of the dam. Their canoe had capsized, leaving one hurt and in shock and the other trapped under water. Without any hesitation, Doug put his canoe back in the water and entered the rough, churning water attempting to save the drowning boy. In that moment, he couldn’t have known that would be the last decision he would make.
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As he lowered himself into the water, reaching for what he must have thought was the boy, the water’s strength pulled him under and he was gone. His wife and two daughters’ lives have been irreversibly changed forever.
Several members of the community have organized an event to commemorate Doug and his heroic efforts as well as help support his family.
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Join them from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 for the Doug Killingbeck Memorial Paddle starting out from Milford’s own Central Park where a shuttle will take them to either Heavener Canoe Rental or Village Canoe Rental.
Participants will paddle down the river in memory of Doug, who spent every free minute he had on the river, then back to Central Park for a BBQ and entertainment.
We are asking for your donation or financial support of is event, which will help this local family as they try to live their lives without a father and husband.
Paddle Options:
Catch a shuttle bus from Central Park between 9 and 10 a.m., then choose one of the following:
- Heavner Canoe Rental for a one-hour leisurely downstream paddle
- Milford Village Canoe Rental for 1/2 Hour Leisurely downstream paddle
Non-paddlers are welcome to join us for coffee and doughnuts from 9-11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
In the event of bad weather, please join us for lunch at Christ Lutheran Church, 620 General Motors Road in Milford.
Suggested donations are $10/student; $40/individual or $75/family. All proceeds support the Killingbeck family.
Can't make the event? Give your financial donation to one of the committee members or mailed to P.O. Box 252, Milford, MI 48381.
An account has been set up at 5/3 bank, ‘Doug Killingbeck Memorial Paddle Trust,' as a non-profit organization; that's the name to put on the checks, and 100 percent of your donation will be tax deductible!
To show our appreciation for your generosity, the committee members ask that you forward your business logo to jkilby@chartermi.net so we can include it on the thank you note/letter of recognition which will be given to each person or family who participates in the event.
We are also open to advertising your company during the event, but that needs to be reviewed by all committee members first.
