We lost a great Checker Cab friend this past weekend with the passing of Dan Smith. Dan was a great guy, funny and quite a curmudgeon. For those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Dan, he did so much for the Checker Cab community. 
With the passing of Joe Pollard, Dan took charge of the disposition of the Pollard Checker fleet just two years ago. When another Checker vendor dumped 40 Checkers in Lawrence, Mass, Dan led the charge to save as many Checkers as possible. As recently as two weeks ago, Dan was planning a massive Ebay Checker Cab selling blitz. He loved this hobby and had a fleet of about 30 Checker upon his passing.
He will be greatly missed by the Checker folks who considered Dan their friend, including this writer. The video below, from the summer of 2019 is just a sample of his dedication to Checker Cabs and the hobby. RIP Dan, from all your Checker friends.
We’ll update this blog with any Memorial information as soon as we hear more. Condolences to the Smith family in Rockford, IL. Dan is survived by his parents, brother and a sister.
MEMORIAL INFORMATION
Daniel Smith Obituary – Phoenix, AZ (dignitymemorial.com)
This might stupid but he moves like Dan,, I Miss Him!!
Just 10 days ago he sent me a new Pitman Arm that Rare Parts was out of stock. It would have been months to replace. .I was also able to replace a glove box.
With his quick response I was able to keep my working Checker on the road. This made one bridal couple (and their grandparents) very happy.
Yes he could be a little cranky, but he was a straight shooter and kept his word. I will miss him.
This video of Dan really is a treasure. He really knew his stuff. I grew up down the street from him. He always had hearses he was working on parked in front of his house. I’m really going to miss him
I spoke with him on Saturday. In fact- I spoke with him frequently. We were friends. I actually received a box from him after he passed.
Dan’s knowledge and straightforward approach to things will be missed. A good man, always willing to help me out. That includes sending me the rear half of an Arizona Checker chassis to save my NY ’81, that had rusty rails turning to dust. We give our thanks and say a prayer for Dan.