Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, he was the son of William Dudman Killam and Arabella Hunter (Belle) Cann.

His business dealings primarily involved the financing of large pulp and paper and hydro-electric projects throughout Canada and Latin America.

One of his larger projects in his native province was the creation of the Mersey Paper Company Ltd. and its related electrical generating stations and shipping fleet.

Notwithstanding his prodigious financial accomplishments, Killam was a very reserved man who eschewed publicity and was virtually unknown outside a small circle of close acquaintances.

[citation needed] Having no children, the Killams devoted the greater part of their wealth to higher education in Canada.