KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- A well-known Grand Rapids bartender who wasstruck by a pick-up truck while riding his bike has died, his family tells FOX 17.
Dave Draugalis was hit Aug. 9 in the 4400 block of 16 Mile Road in Cedar Springs. Officials say he was struck while crossing near the White Pine Trail.
Draugalis bartended at Z’s bar for more than two decades. Sunday, friends and family celebrated his life at Z’s bar, a place where everybody knew his name.
Those who knew him, say Dave Draugalis had a way of connecting with people and that he was more than a bartender, he was a friend who cared.
“Dave could relate to anybody’s problems and he always had the right thing to say at every situation.” Said Joe Drasiewski, a close friend of Draugalis.
“It didn’t matter who the person was that walked in, he would connect with you on his own level and you would know that when you left.” Said John Hunt, a long time friend of Draugalis.
For those who knew him well, Dave Draugalis will be hard to forget.
“He’s going to leave a giant hole downtown, he had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve known.”
Z's bar is holding a special event for Dave Draugalis on September 7th at 6:00 pm.
A GoFundMe page will help with funeral costs.
