SR0548 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0548 LRB104 16901 MST 30312 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Hal I. Smith of Springfield, who passed away on December 3, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith was born in Springfield to William H. and Betty Rose (Davis) Smith on November 22, 1950; he graduated from Springfield High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Sangamon State University in 1972 and a Master of Arts in Public Administration in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith's career began with a vital role on the U.S. Senate staff for Senator Charles H. Percy; afterward, he committed over 30 years in the private sector to three global gaming and entertainment companies; when the Lincoln National Heritage Area was created and funded in 2008, he served as the executive director of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition; though he attempted retirement in 2017, his expertise and passion for serving others drew him back to the work force where he offered his time and skills to Lincoln College and then to the office of Congressman Darin LaHood; he became the executive director for development at the SIU Foundation at the School of Medicine in 2019, before retiring fully in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and it was a rare day not to find him in St. Louis Cardinals clothing; he was thrilled with his son's employment and association with the team for over 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith's spirited pursuit of knowledge led him to travel six continents, eagerly exploring and appreciating diverse cultures; his love for his family was paramount, and one of his greatest joys in life was watching his daughter, Elizabeth, take the stage from high school, college, and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church and remained a steadfast member of the Springfield community throughout his life; he will be especially remembered as a great communicator who made a tremendous impact; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon Rose Anne Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Hal Smith is survived by his wife of 42 years, Meg (Moore); his children, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Lucin and David (Rebecca) Reid; his grandchildren, Madison and Caden; his "brother", Richard Gajate Garcia; his brother-in-law, Van E. Johnson; his nieces, Carla (Dan) Fitzgerald and Nancy (Brian) Letofsky; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his friends, Thomas J. O'Brien and Larry Bailey; and his "little brother" through the Big Brothers program, Hank Hibbs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Hal I. Smith 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 Hal Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.