SR0641 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0641 LRB102 21802 LAW 30922 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Christopher Joseph "Chris" Weir of Maryville, who passed away on October 20, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Chris Weir was born to Brian and Cecilia "Cece" Weir in East St. Louis on February 7, 1964; he graduated from Rosary High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1982; he served aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown CG-48 in the U.S. Navy; he married Kathy Henderson on June 18, 1993, and they created a loving and fun-filled home where all were welcome; and

WHEREAS, Upon being honorably discharged, Chris Weir returned home and was accepted as an apprentice wireman into IBEW Local Union 309 in Collinsville, IL, following in the footsteps of four generations of electricians; he retired as assistant business manager of Local 309 and member of the Apprentice Board in March 2021; and

WHEREAS, Chris Weir was an ardent advocate for workers' rights, and he never missed the annual Labor Day parade in Belleville, attended any Labor event that did not conflict with a family obligation, and steadfastly encouraged young people struggling with career choices to consider the trades; he was a member of The Knights of Columbus at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where he enjoyed volunteering during Lenten fish fries and catching up with all the families with whom his children attended elementary school; and

WHEREAS, Chris Weir was a family man to the core and considered everyone family; fatherhood was his favorite job of all, and he was excellent at it; he was always the first to lend a hand and put the needs of others before himself; he was the master of diffusing tense situations with humor and always had a joke up his sleeve to make others smile; his sense of humor, kind heart, and natural teaching ability left a lasting impression upon anyone who crossed his path; he will be remembered for his love of music, his enthusiasm for St. Louis sports, his ability to light up a room, and his one-of-a-kind personality; and

WHEREAS, Chris Weir was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe Weir Sr., Ann P. (Gallagher) Weir, and Fred and Rose Peskar; his father-in-law, Ken Henderson; his brother, Brenden Weir; his brother-in-law, Jimmy Henderson; and his niece, Keiley Weir; and

WHEREAS, Chris Weir is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kathy Henderson-Weir; his children, Lauren, Ian, and Kellen Weir; his parents, Brian and Cece Weir; his brothers, Brian Weir, Nick (Katy) Weir, Killian Weir, and Ted Weir; his sisters, Shannon Gittemeier and Maureen (Kevin Flynn) Weir; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dan Henderson, Karen (Gregg) Hangge, and Angela Weir; his nieces and nephews, Kristina and Andy, Taylor, Joe, Andrew, Ben and Ally, Jake and Epona, Luke, Bridget-Ann, Chip, Erin, Nick Jr., Bridget-Rose, Josh and Shea, Sam, Matt and Natalie, Riley, Brendan, Sean, Joe and Lisa, Jill and Chris, Jon and Lauren, and Jacob and Lena; his 12 great-nieces and great-nephews; and his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Christopher Joseph "Chris" Weir 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 Chris Weir as an expression of our deepest sympathy.