SR1302 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Blair E. Smestad of Champaign, who passed away on November 5, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Blair Smestad was born on April 9, 1925 in Bemidji, Minnesota; he was adopted by Annie and William Smestad at the age of 6 months and grew up with them in Granite Falls, Minnesota; he later reconnected with his birth mother, Selma Dokken Maher, and met his brothers and sisters; and

WHEREAS, Blair Smestad served in the United States Army Air Corps at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; he was a licensed pilot and an instructor and manager of the flight school at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul; he also served as a nursing home administrator and in various other capacities; and

WHEREAS, Blair Smestad was a member and elder at the Champaign Seventh-Day Adventist Church for nearly 50 years; as a member of the church, he led Bible studies, preached, and sang special music for his fellow believers; and

WHEREAS, Blair Smestad was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bob and Darrell Maher; his sons, Rick Smestad and Larry Smestad; his grandson, Eric Smestad; and his daughter-in-law, Donna Smestad; and

WHEREAS, Blair Smestad is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Danielson Smestad; his children, Ann (Don) King and Brad (Deb) Smestad; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Smestad Cranston (Bob); his sisters, Pat (Hollis) Schwartz, Nancy (Dave) Andre, and Sally (Duwayn) Kirkvoid; his nephew, Paul (Marge) Maher; his 7 grandchildren; and his 11 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Blair E. Smestad; and be it further

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