This man was one of a kind!! He took me under his wing at work and was always supportive.   He made me part of the family. 

I loved him dearly.

Dearest Lisa and Katie, I was so sorry to hear about your loss.  Please know that he was loved and admired by so many of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.  God Bless.

What sad news it was, to hear of Dan's passing.  I will  remember him as a man who lived his life with dignity, faith, and virtue, and who was a Locomotive Engineer that anyone would be glad to work with, a high compliment to a railroader.  The entire Elwood family will be remembered, daily, in my prayers.

I always enjoyed Dan's big smile, and his kindness was far and beyond.  

Our deepest sympathy for the entire family.

Jim & Bobbie Kinser

Will always remember Dan smiling and sharing stories of working on the railroad.  First met him back in 1979 just after I hired out at Calwa.  Remember Dan coming into the crew room at the depot to confer with other crewmen, or the crew clerk or the operator.   Also remember seeing him many times getting on or off locomotives or smiling down and waving from the engineers' seat.  

In 1992 received a phone call on the company phone,  from Dan, who was in Calwa.   I was working the CC2 position in the Dispatchers Office at San Bernardino.   Dan was concerned that his Dad, retired Road Foreman Jack Elwood,  was asked to run Santa Fe Steam Locomotive 3751 from Los Angeles to Needles, but no arrangements had been made to get Jack back to Calwa, (Fresno).    When informed of the situation,  Manager of Operations Planning, (Chief Dispatcher), Dan Munday authorized me to take care of it, and deadhead Jack home on Santa Fe's hottest UPS train the 199.    I issued a message that included the  Needles, Mojave and Bakersfield Sub Dispatchers, crew clerks,  trainmasters and each outbound crew of the 199, at Needles, Barstow and Bakersfield, to carry Jack Elwood,   Also had the crew clerks arrange transportation at Needles, and to put him up with Winslow crews at the Needles motel.    

After the trip, Dan informed me that Jack was welcomed by all three crews, mostly railroaders who already knew him.   Since Jack was still considered qualified he was invited, by the engineers,  to run the 199 much of the way home to the crew change at Calwa.   

Back in the 80's, before being transferred with the Dispatchers Office from Fresno to San Bernardino,  had lots of interesting discussions with Dan, and other exceptional railroaders.   Dan taught a number of points that I might not have learned otherwise.    A few of the  other enginemen and trainmen will relate that Dan helped them also, and was easy to learn from.    Will always remember the easy going manner and big smile.
     

I only had the pleasure of meeting this amazing man twice, the first time being several years ago when I came to visit his daughter Katie. He and his wife insisted that I stay for dinner, and we had a wonderful talk. I was going through a pretty rough time in my life, and though he probably never knew it, his encouragement and kindness that night was so appreciated! Love and prayers to you both, Katie and Lisa. 

We were very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Elwood at church on Saturday evening.  Our deepest condolences to his wife and daughter during this extremely difficult time.  May God wrap his love around them and be with them during their sorrow.   Although, we did not know him directly, he was part of our church family.  We have been attending the same Saturday evening mass with him for years.  He has been our usher while our children have altar served and we felt linked to him through the services we all do at the church.  May his soul rest in peace with God for an eternity. 

How sorry I was to hear of Dan's passing.  We shared a love for the Santa Fe Railroad but, more than that, he was a good, decent man who will be missed for all the kindness he shared above and beyond the hobby.  My condolences to his family and friends!

Michael Gross
La Cañada, CA

OBITUARY

Daniel Patrick Elwood

September 16, 1954 – August 27, 2019

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services