Senate Resolution No. 526

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Ira S. Clair, accomplished
judge and attorney, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Ira S. Clair of Pound Ridge, New York, died on Thursday,
January 12, 2021, at the age of 67; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 27, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
to Harriet and Herbert Clair, Ira S. Clair attended Fairleigh Dickinson
University and Case Western Reserve Law School; and

WHEREAS, Ira S. Clair was a founding partner at Clair and Gjertsen,
Esqs. where he practiced law for over 40 years; he was an attorney of
record in scores of reported cases concerning mortgage foreclosure and
landlord tenant law; and

WHEREAS, Ira S. Clair distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, He served as the Chairman of the Westchester Bar
Corporations Committee, and was Vice President of the Magistrates
Committee; in addition, he presided as a Small Claims Assessment Review
Hearing Officer, Court appointed Referee and Guardian Ad Litem; and

WHEREAS, Ira S. Clair's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Ira S. Clair was especially proud to serve as Town Justice
of Pound Ridge from 2013 until the time of his death; he was also a
board member of the Pound Ridge Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, An avid lover of nature, hockey, American history,
fly-fishing, and Weimaraners, on Thursday nights, Ira S. Clair could be
found on the small ice at Rye Playland playing what became known as "Ira
hockey"; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, John, Ira S. Clair is survived by
his wife, Rita; his two daughters, Lisa and Sara; and his son-in-law,
David Commander; as well as his two Weimaraner's, Lilly and Grayson; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ira S. Clair leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ira S. Clair, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ira S. Clair.