Sub shop fan killed in front of eatery

For 15 years, a 72-year-old man was a daily fixture at a Subway shop south of Kalamazoo. Employees are mourning after their loyal fan was struck by a car right in front of the business.

AP Wire

Oct 31, 2011

Ben Vant Zelfde was more than a customer at the Subway on Grand Street in Schoolcraft — employees said they considered him to be family. Kirstyn Rickard told the Kalamazoo Gazette that the man would occasionally slip her $20 because he knew she could use it as a college student.

Vant Zelfde was struck and killed about 7 a.m. Oct. 27.

A brother said Vant Zelfde was positive and “always thankful to the Lord for what he had.” Before retiring, he had worked at Meijer as a greeter and enjoyed talking to people.