The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-11-02
GRAVE CLOSES OVER
FAMOUS LOCAL
CHARACTER
{. G. 6AoARo, FORMER CAFE
OWNER, WAS LOVED By HOSTS
OF FRiENDs-oUlck TEMPER,
HIS SOLE ENEMY.

f. G. Bagard. whose funeral was
held under the auspices of the Elks ar
1880 Monday afternoon. was, because
OF HIS strong personality, a character
well-known about Detroit some
year, ago. A man OF patriotic
ideals aud keen intelligence, he
made hundreds of friends who
loved him for his intense sence Of
honor, his kindness. his fidelity and
his generosity. Through all his later
misfortunes, these intimates ever re-
maiLed loyal to him and his death
will be sincerely meurned by them.
AT one time Mr.. Bagard was reck-
oned q comfortably wealthy man but
his temperament was not one fitted to
money-gettlng and he let his accum-
ulations slip through his fingers. Dur
ing his later years he was an inmate
OF the Eiks' national home in Bed
ford. Va. II is but few months since
he returned To Detroit for visit and
for an operation which was performed
in ST, Mary's hospital
Up 10 short time before his death
he was feeling as we'll as usual, and II
was but day or SO before his demise
one OF his closest friends.
Mr.. Bagard was a native French
man. but became interested in politics
and finally left the country. He was
a loyal and enthusiastic follower OF
Boulanger and opposed to the domin-
ant faction OF his native land.
About twenty years ago he came TO
Detroit from Hudson, Mich. and start
ed a cafe. He became famous as IA
restaurateur and soon won fine
clientele. II was said OF him that he
would rather please a customer than
make profit and there was, therefore.
nothing In his place that was not OF
the best
Many incidents are related In con-
neCtion with Mr.. Bagard's one failing
temper At one time, party OF prom
inent men came into his place and
started q discussion which ended in
Mr.. Bagard growing very angry and
brandishiug a huge knife In his ex-
element Immediately the conspirat-
ors turned OF the lights and began
shooting In the air. At another time.
a woman who lived near him taught
her parrot to call him names every
time he went into his back yard. This
so displeased him that he finally hired
a man to shoot the parrot
When he had been thus harrassed
by patrons or others, Mr.. Bagard
would refuse to have anything to do
with them until the mt OF temper wore
of. He was most anxious To make
amends after every quarrel. however
there being not trace OF vindictive-
ness in his makeup. In truth, MS
nature was tender and his impulses
noble.
He was most precise In all details
of service and etiquette and preserved
the demeanor Of gentleman OF birth
and education at all times. His read.
ing had been extensive and he could
talk fiuently on almost any SUBJECT.
This made his cafe place OF resort
for many men who loved to hear hts
views on French politics and other
matters.
After a time his fortunes waned. HIS
con made an unfortunate venture In
business and Mr.. Bagard's money be.
gan to dwindle. He had conducted
cafes on Lafayette and WOODWARD
aves. and Rowland.st. up to this time,
but gave up his private business and
became the local representative for
big brewing concern. He was success
full in getting trade, but his excitability
sometimes lost 1t almost as quickly:
FINALLY he became impoverished ana
went TO Eloise. Friends came to his
aid and he was given position with
the park department. This he resigned
after a time. because 1t was insisted
that he wear a uniform and he re-
fused to do So
He finally became unable to care lot
himself and then. 1t was that MS nrotn
err Elks sent him to their nationai
home where he had been for severai
years and where he died.
During all his business career nc
was most punctilious about his obliga'
t,ons. He has been known to call upon
various persons with whom he dealt
on New Years morning 30 that ne
might be the first to square accounts.
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