An Edmonton-based solider who was killed while on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan on Friday is being remembered by co-workers at a Whyte Avenue bar as a strong leader and an even better friend.

Cpl. Nick Bulger, a 30-year-old father of two, died Friday when his vehicle triggered an improvised explosive device. He was headed through the Zhari district west of Kandahar City.

While he'll likely be remembered for his military service, staff at the Funky Buddha bar say they'll miss the generous, warm-hearted co-worker they got to know over four years.

"He's just a guy that would do anything for anybody," said David Barker, general manager of the Funky Buddha.

Bulger started at the nightclub in 2005 and worked as a doorman and bartender before he left for his first tour of duty in Afghanistan in January. He was set to return to Edmonton later this month.

"It is war, I'm well aware of that, but when it's so close to you - it's just a shock," said Lance Makutra, the owner of Funky Buddha.

Makutra hired Bulger, along with his two younger brothers and says the three were inseparable. He describes Bulger as a strong leader who earned a lot of respect from his siblings.

"They weren't in the military, but they looked right up to Nick," said Makutra. "He was the older of the three...they were always asking him questions, life questions, so he was a very good man."

Staff say over the years Funky Buddha has become a popular hangout for the military and will now serve as a place where comrades can come together and grieve.

"We're all a big family here at the bar where he worked...so it's a very close atmosphere,"

Bulger's casket left Afghanistan on Saturday and is scheduled to arrive in Trenton, Ontario on Monday.

Friends are planning to hold a wake at Funky Buddha in Bulger's memory.

With files from Erin Isfeld