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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Donald W. "Don" Irish, who passed away 
4on February 18, 2025; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Don Irish was born in Peoria, the second of two 
6sons born to Thomas and Marvel (Skiles) Irish, on June 8, 1933; 
7he served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Don Irish married the love of his life, Carol 
9Lovin, on February 8, 1953, and together, they built a strong 
10and loving family in Peoria's West Bluff neighborhood near the 
11campus of Bradley University; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Don Irish pursued a career as a meat cutter and 
13store manager following his military service, before joining 
14Caterpillar, where he served as a traffic management 
15specialist and accounts payable manager; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Don Irish was a man of strong faith and an active 
17member of the United Presbyterian Church of Peoria, where he 
18found spiritual fulfillment and community; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Don Irish was an avid golfer and achieved the 
20remarkable feat of three holes-in-one throughout his lifetime; 
 
 
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1and
 
2    WHEREAS, Don Irish was a dedicated and passionate fan of 
3the Chicago Cubs and the Bradley University men's basketball 
4team, sharing his love for sports with family and friends, 
5oftentimes spending his afternoons getting sandwiches and 
6watching the game; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Don Irish's kindness, dedication, and unwavering 
8love for his family and community will forever be remembered 
9by those whose lives he touched; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Don Irish was preceded in death by his parents; 
11his brother, Terrance Irish; and one grandson; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Don Irish is survived by his wife of 72 years, 
13Carol; his children, Thomas (Gloria) Irish, David (Lynda) 
14Irish, Michael (Kelly) Irish, and Leanne (Brad) Dunn; 10 
15grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it
 
16    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
17ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
18Donald W. "Don" Irish and extend our sincere condolences to 
19his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
20further
 
 
 
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1    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
2presented to the family of Don Irish as an expression of our 
3deepest sympathy.