Masters Hall of Fame Mourns the Loss of Sensei Thomas Boganski

The Masters Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Sensei Thomas Boganski, a 10th Dan Black Belt in Taekwon-Do, at his home in Henderson, NV, on December 5. Sensei Boganski was a long-time Ambassador for the Masters Hall of Fame and was presented with a Life Achievement Award in 2007 in recognition of his many years in martial arts. Sensei Boganski also proudly served in the U.S. Air Force.

“Master Boganski was a good man who treated me very well,” recalled Sensei Jason Carlage, who was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2011 by Sensei Boganski. “I was introduced to him by my teacher, Grandmaster Vernon Kam, and I became fast friends with Master Boganski. I was given the privilege to teach kenpo karate myself and I sought Master Boganski's advice for how to become the best instructor I could be. I was humbled and honored when Master Boganski told me he would like to nominate me for induction. Attending the ceremony with him is one of the highlights of my life,” Carlage stated. 

Recalling their many conversations after the birth of his own children, Sensei Carlage said, “The way he spoke about his two daughters and his two grandchildren made it clear to me how much he cherished each of them. He encouraged me to love my children and made me realize how much of a blessing they are in life. I am one of many who have benefited from Master Boganski's service and acts of kindness as a veteran, a teacher, a father and a friend. As a Catholic man and member of the Knights of Columbus, Master Boganski had very strong faith and he believed in the power of prayer. I pray for his family and for the immense loss of their father and grandfather. 

Master Boganski's daughters Cassandra and Natasha have started a GoFundMe page to help with the expenses of his funeral and associated needs. According to the GoFundMe page, Sensei Boganski had no life insurance to put toward funeral expenses, and his daughters also must move all of his belongings out of his apartment. The funeral alone will run some $10,000 in order to give Sensei Boganski the memorial he deserves.

With the help and support of family and friends, Sensei Thomas Boganski will be laid to rest at noon on Friday, December 20 at the Veterans Memorial at 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV, 89005. Preceding the interment there will be a Funeral Service at Davis Funeral Home located at 6200 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV, 89119 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-fundraiser-for-thomas-boganski.