MEMORIAL-CHARLES H. BAIR III

104th Regular Session Introduced by Norine Hammond

The bill formally mourns and honors Charlie Bair’s life and contributions to healthcare, community development, and ethics education.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR 963 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

HR 963 is a House Resolution mourning the death of Charles Homer "Charlie" Bair III, who passed away on April 26, 2026.

The measure honors Bair’s life, career, and impact on the communities where he lived and worked, recognizing his contributions to healthcare, economic development, and community initiatives.

Key Provisions and Changes

Declares that the members of the Illinois House of Representatives mourn the passing of Charlie Bair and extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.

Affirms Bair’s significant achievements, including:

Leadership as president and CEO of hospitals in Ohio, where he helped transform insolvencies into surpluses and led the development of a major rural health system with programs in psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and chronic illness care.
Founding of a hospital-owned health insurance company, noted as one of the few successful endeavors of its kind in the United States.
Recognition by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Board of Governors with a special commendation.
Later work in Illinois focusing on ethics education (Carl Sandburg College), community and economic development education (University of Illinois Extension), and executive leadership for Western Illinois Economic Development.
Entrepreneurial and community-building efforts, including the opening of Lilly’s Frozen Yogurt & Fudge in Carthage to foster community spaces.

The resolution also highlights personal qualities such as curiosity, humor, kindness, and the ability to connect with people wherever they are.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primary effect is ceremonial and symbolic acknowledgment in Illinois.

Family, friends, colleagues, and organizations connected to Bair are formally recognized in the resolution.

No fiscal impact or legal obligations are imposed; the bill functions as an expression of condolences and commemoration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and filed with the Clerk by Representative Norine K. Hammond.

Co-sponsored by Rep. Norine Hammond.

Action history shows:

May 29, 2026: Resolution filed with the Clerk.
May 30, 2026: Placed on Calendar Agreed Resolutions and Adopted by the House.

The resolution is a non-binding, ceremonial measure that does not alter statutes or create new programs.

Additional Context

The bill provides a formal, public record recognizing Bair’s professional achievements in healthcare administration and community development, as well as his personal impact on communities in Ohio and Illinois.

A copy of the resolution is to be presented to Bair’s family as a symbol of sympathy.