SR0950 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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 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

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

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of George Fairchild as an expression of our deepest sympathy.