Donald K. Druart

Don was a part of my brother Tom´s band in those college years and they practiced in our living room- and I being a little younger loved having all those sweet guys around on Saturdays! Have such good memories of those early days and Don and Karen´s wedding and hearing of the boys- those were special days

I only just now heard about this. I knew you for many years when you were at Allendale High School and my son was in band and marching band. What an amazing teacher and music arranger. You're rapport with the students was legendary. I loved listening to the Allendale Jazz Band back in the day. I see your photo here and all I can think of is how much I enjoyed watching you work with your students, and the stirring results at school concerts and more. What a positive influence and fun...

Don was my big brother in phi mu alpha wmu

Dearest Mr. Druart,

Your spirit moved me. Still does. Always will. Thank you for some of the best, fun years of my life. If I could have taken more music classes with you, I would have. I even tried to get you to let me into the jazz band! You thought I could have been a professional musician, but I didn't want that. I just wanted to play in the symphonic band and marching band and pep band - because you made those spaces wonderful places to be - a sanctuary, even. You gave me...

Mr. D,
Thank you for sharing your love of music and for having faith in me to experiment with different instruments and forms of music. I am still playing and will never forget you. May your family find comfort knowing how many lives you touched through the years.
Darla
EKHS '81

As the band's longtime drummer, Don was a valued member of the Lakeshore Big Band and we are grateful for the many contributions he made to the group over the years. Condolences to family and friends.