In Memoriam: Dan Bonawitz, A Tireless Advocate for Workers’ Rights and Union Brotherhood 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved union brother, Dan Bonawitz. Dan’s unwavering dedication to his fellow workers, his passion for justice, and his tireless advocacy for safety and equality left an indelible mark on the SMART-TD community. A member of Local 1409 in Kansas City, Kansas, Dan joined SMART-TD in 2006. For nearly two decades he embodied what it means to be a committed, compassionate, and fearless union member. 

“Dan was a warrior for our brothers and sisters in every sense of the word,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “His selflessness, his work ethic, and his commitment to doing what was right are unmatched. Dan was a good friend and brother to us all who dedicated countless hours to the benefit of our members. He was a true brother, and his loss leaves a hole in our hearts and this labor organization. We are all better for having known him, and his legacy will live on in the union he helped build.” 

Fundraiser Established to Give Back to Our Brother 

A GoFundMe Fundraiser has been established by the Kansas State Legislative Board to cover Brother Bonawitz’s final expenses. If you are able, please consider helping this cause for this one-of-a-kind SMART-TD Brother.  

Fundraiser by Ty E Dragoo : Support Dan Bonawitz’s Memorial Fund 

Service on the National Safety Team 

One of Dan’s most notable contributions was his involvement with SMART-TD’s National Safety Team. As a charter member, Dan was regularly called to the scene of major railroad accidents, where his deep knowledge of the rail industry and his practical, no-nonsense approach were invaluable. Even after 12-hour shifts at Union Pacific, Dan was always ready to jump in the car and head to an accident site to ensure that the investigation was fair and thorough. His presence at these sites was a beacon of support for our members, ensuring that management and regulators didn’t take the easy way out and blame the crew. 

Dan was a passionate advocate for proper training and education within the industry. Recognizing a gap in hazardous materials training, Dan became a qualified hazmat instructor, offering his expertise to ensure that our members were well-prepared to handle dangerous situations. His work with the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program in Houston, Texas, is just one example of how he gave selflessly of his time to help others. 

“Dan didn’t just teach safety—he lived it,” said Jared Cassity Chair of SMART-TD’s National Safety team, who worked alongside Dan in the legislative arena as well as the safety team. “Dan Bonawitz was one of the most dedicated Union members I have ever known. His passion and love for his fellow workers was second to none. I have never encountered someone with more dedication or a stronger commitment to ensuring the safety of rail workers than Brother Bonawitz. His willingness to sacrifice his time and his resources to help those in need, and to do it in a way that shined on his Union rather than himself, is remarkable. I will miss his presence as an Assistant Director on our National Safety Team, but I will miss his companionship most. I am grateful for Dan’s contributions, but I am most thankful to have had the opportunity to be his friend. He will be missed.” 

A Commitment to Inclusivity 

Dan was also deeply committed to making SMART-TD a more inclusive and diverse organization. He was a founding member of the union’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in 2022, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that every member, regardless of their background, had a voice and was treated with respect. He lived by the principle that if you are a worker, you are his brother or sister, and he treated everyone as family. 

“He’s always going to fight for your rights.” said Chad Yokoyama, Chairperson of SMART-TD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. “People might think that our international union doesn’t fight for them, but Dan was a prime example of the way it’s supposed to be done. Whether it put a target on his back or not, he’s going to fight for you, and I think will be his legacy.” 

A Champion of Veteran Support 

Dan’s efforts weren’t limited to the workplace. He was an advocate for veterans and always found time to support the community. In 2023, Dan was named SMART-TD’s Man of the Year for his efforts to honor and serve military veterans. Leading a group of SMART-TD members, he organized a community outreach project to ensure that veterans’ gravesites were properly recognized, purchasing and placing U.S. flags at local veteran cemeteries in the Kansas City area. 

“Dan demonstrated his unwavering commitment to both his fellow workers and the veterans who served our country,” said Jared Cassity. “He always found a way to serve others, whether it was through his work on the National Safety Team, his legislative work, or his outreach to veterans. His heart was as big as his passion for this union.” 

Legislative Leadership 

Dan’s leadership extended to his work as a Delegate and Legislative Representative for Local 1409, where his presence was felt at both the SMART-TD conventions and the statehouse in Topeka. He wasn’t afraid to stand up and fight for the issues that mattered to his brothers and sisters, no matter the challenge. National Safety and Legislative Department Director, Greg Hynes said of Bonawitz, “Dan was among the best at working with legislators, but then again, he was one hell of a safety instructor and organizer, too. He was a true soldier for this union and got the job done no matter what the need was.” 

“Dan’s ability to advocate for our men and women was unparalleled,” said Ty Dragoo, Kansas Legislative Director & Chairman of the SMART Kansas Legislative Board. “His energy, his passion, and his dedication to our cause were an inspiration to all of us. Dan never backed down from a fight that needed fought.” Dragoo echoed the praise of Brother Hynes saying Bonawitz was at the top as far as political engagement, organizing, training, and he was an even better friend and trusted counsel. “When I called him with a problem, he answered the bell because our members needed him to. He really was a force of nature!” 

A Celebration of a True Union Man 

Dan Bonawitz’s legacy is one of service, commitment, and unwavering dedication to his brothers and sisters in labor. Whether he was defending a crew at an accident site, teaching a safety class, or leading a legislative battle, Dan gave everything he had to make sure that the rights and well-being of rail workers were protected. 

As we grieve his loss, we celebrate the life of a true union man. One who gave everything for his family, this union, and his country. 

We extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.