Bill Text: IL SR0950 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of George Trafton Fairchild.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-02 - Resolution Adopted [SR0950 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0950-Introduced.html

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SR0950 LRB103 40402 MST 72706 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of George Trafton Fairchild, who passed
away on April 11, 2024; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild was born to William T. and
Dorothy (Duffey) Fairchild on May 15, 1936; he graduated from
Rochester High School in 1954 and attended the University of
Illinois and Springfield Junior College; he graduated from
Illinois College in Jacksonville in 1960; during his high
school years, he played trumpet in the band and was an
exceptional athlete, excelling in track, baseball, and
basketball; he also played basketball for Illinois College; he
served in the U.S. Army, both on active duty and as a
reservist; he married Phyllis Stein on May 16, 1959, and they
settled on Lake Springfield in 1965; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild's 40-year career with Dairy
Queen began in 1960 when he started as the manager of the 6th
Street location in Springfield; he became general manager and
later vice president of Illini Dairy Queen, overseeing
operations for 30 stores throughout central and southern
Illinois until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild's commitment to his community

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was exemplified through his volunteer work as a tutor at St.
Patrick Catholic School for 23 years; he mentored students
into their adult years, and all still affectionately call him
"Grandpa George"; his service to the school earned him the
Blarney Bash Leprechaun Honor and the 2020 Heart of Gold
Service Award; in the early 1970s, he served on the Boy's Farm
Board of Directors (Rutledge Youth Foundation); he was an
active supporter of the Springfield Art Association and
Lincoln Memorial Gardens and a 50-year member of Island Bay
Yacht Club; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild was a longtime member of First
Methodist Church; he embodied kindness, generosity, and
selflessness, always putting his family first; his favorite
pastimes included reading, volunteering, fixing things around
the house, and spending time with his loved ones at their farm
in Rochester and Lake Springfield home; his love for music
included everything from jazz to Journey and patriotic hymns,
which he enthusiastically shared with his grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild will be remembered for his
annual July 4th celebrations, where he welcomed friends,
family, and even strangers to celebrate the country he loved;
his gentle spirit and caring nature touched the lives of
countless individuals; and

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WHEREAS, George Fairchild was a true family man and
leading light of the Rochester and Springfield communities; he
leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication; and
WHEREAS, George Fairchild is survived by his wife of
almost 56 years, Phyllis; his children, Shawn M. Andrews (Clay
Crocker), Leslie K. Casper, G. Matthew Fairchild, and Sarah A.
(Bryan) Albracht; his sister, Charlotte Anne (Sterling)
Littlepage; his grandchildren, Nicole (Bob) Dennison, W. Tyler
Casper, Madeleine (Anthony) Giovannelli, Lucas (Jesse)
Albracht, Isaac (Demi) Albracht, and Emma Fairchild; and his
great-grandchildren, Jack, Paige, Liam, and Luca; therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
George Trafton Fairchild and extend our sincere condolences to
his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
further