Queen Creek, Arizona—It is with deep sympathy and respect that SMART honors the life and legacy of Brother Daniel Anthony May, who passed away on May 5 at the age of 80 and was laid to rest yesterday.
A Chicago native and member of Local 1433 who worked out of the Bensenville Yard, Brother May began his career as a brakeman with the Milwaukee Railroad and followed in the footsteps of his father, Theodore May, who was also a brakeman.
After being drafted in the United States Army in 1968 and serving for two years, he was excited to return to the rails and spent time working for the Soo Line Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway throughout his career.
Brother May’s wife of 48 years, Heidi, said that he always liked to be outside so working for the railroad was a great fit for him, even during brutal, bone-chilling winters. In fact, he used to spend his time off swimming in Lake Michigan when the two of them met.
When it came time to retire, he abandoned the snow and sub-zero temperatures for sunny Arizona where he could continue to enjoy the outdoors, including caring for his summer vegetable garden, feeding the neighborhood birds, squirrels, and ducks, and riding his bike to the grocery store.
Known for his chocolate chip cookies and homemade chili, Brother May always looked forward to dining at the Chinese buffet so that he could indulge on the salmon.
He could usually be found watching the nightly news, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, or supporting his beloved Chicago Bears through all the ups and many downs each season.
Survived by his wife, Heidi, daughters Nicole and Lana, and four grandchildren, Brother May was very proud of his family and will be remembered for his strength, playful sense of humor, and enjoying the simple things in life.
We extend our deepest and most heartful sympathies to Brother May’s family and all who were lucky enough to know him. Most importantly, we are grateful for his impactful legacy and the lasting impression that he left on our union.
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