Current:Home > Markets'More than the guiding light': Brian Barczyk dies at 54 after battling pancreatic cancer-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
'More than the guiding light': Brian Barczyk dies at 54 after battling pancreatic cancer
View Date:2024-12-23 16:20:53
Beloved reptile enthusiast and content creator Brian Barczyk died on Sunday. He was 54.
The herpetologist, with over 5 million subscribers on YouTube, recently said he entered hospice care due to Stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer. He first shared his diagnosis publicly in a March 2023 video.
The Reptarium, the zoo Barczyk owned in Utica, Michigan, announced his death on his social media pages with "profound sorrow."
"More than the guiding light of our organization, Brian’s fervent passion for reptiles and wildlife, along with his steadfast dedication to education, has touched innumerable hearts and minds globally," the post said.
The post expressed deep condolences with Barczyk's family, friends and all the lives he has touched.
"We’ve lost an exceptional individual – a visionary, mentor, and friend. For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian’s absence leaves an immeasurable void," the post said. "As we navigate this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian’s work. He will be deeply missed but indeed, never forgotten."
Retirement at 84:Pennsylvania woman retires from McDonald's after 45 years
Dream Aquarium will feature Brian Barczyk’s handprints
Barczyk was unfortunately unable to see the complete LegaSea Aquarium, a longtime dream of his to open an interactive reptile zoo, before his passing.
The Reptarium said when the aquarium opens, visitors will find his handprints so they can place their hands in his to continue "his legacy in a simple, yet powerful gesture." The exhibit, which will feature an interactive reptile zoo in a 25,000-square-foot former thrift store, hopes to open by March, according to the The Reptarium's website.
"Brian, we will see you in the next one. Everyone else, see you at LegaSea," the post read.
Barczyk's family will also hold a memorial at the Public Memorial Walk in Utica's on Heritage Church on Wednesday afternoon. Instead of flowers, the family shared ways fans can support on a web page dedicated to Barczyk.
Barczyk told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, in June that he wants Macomb County and the broader area community to know that he will always offer a place for visitors to get their hands wet and horizons broadened "regardless of whether I live one year or 25 years."
'It's been an amazing journey'
In his last YouTube video, Barczyk thanked those who visited his reptile zoo and those who supported his work with snakes, geckos, lizards and other reptiles.
"It's been an amazing journey and one that has changed my life. Each one of you has changed my life like you can't believe," he said in the tearful video. "You never die until the last person speaks your name. My hope that the LegaSea Aquarium, my legacy throughout everything, is going to last a long time."
Barczyk said his team will continue to post videos on the channel after his death and hopes fans will continue show up for the content.
"We're going to tell great stories and we're going inspire people whether it's me or not. I hope you will continue to watch the vlog," Barczyk said. "I wish I was going to be there manning the front of it but let's keep getting people to love animals and wildlife and have experiences and dedicate their life to animals. If that happens I'm happy."
veryGood! (23)
Related
- Taylor Swift Politely Corrects Security’s Etiquette at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game
- How to create a budget for 2024: First, check out how you spent in 2023
- Trinidad police are investigating a shooting that killed 3 people and wounded 5 others
- Millions of us eat soy sauce regularly. Is it bad for you?
- Gold is suddenly not so glittery after Trump’s White House victory
- Massachusetts governor makes lowering housing costs a goal for the new year
- Timbaland talks about being elected to Songwriters Hall of Fame: Music really gives me a way to speak
- UK leader Rishi Sunak tries to quell Conservative revolt over his Rwanda plan for migrants
- Lunchables get early dismissal: Kraft Heinz pulls the iconic snack from school lunches
- Wisconsin Republicans appear to be at an impasse over medical marijuana legalization plan
Ranking
- RHOBH's Erika Jayne Reveals Which Team She's on Amid Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley Feud
- Overdraft fees could drop to as low as $3 under new Biden proposal
- Brothers elected mayors of neighboring New Jersey towns
- Yola announces new EP 'My Way' and 6-stop tour to celebrate 'a utopia of Black creativity'
- Let Demi Moore’s Iconic Fashion Give You More Inspiration
- Doomsday cult pastor and others will face murder and child torture charges over deaths of 429 in Kenya
- Solidly GOP Indiana doesn’t often see competitive primaries for governor. This year is different
- SISTAR19 is back: Members reflect on first new music in a decade, creating 'NO MORE (MA BOY)'
Recommendation
-
2025 Medicare Part B premium increase outpaces both Social Security COLA and inflation
-
Contrails — the lines behind airplanes — are warming the planet. Could an easy AI solution be on the horizon?
-
Miranda Lambert loves her husband Brendan McLoughlin's brutal honesty: 'He gives me harsh reality'
-
U.S. says 2 SEALs lost seizing Iran weapons shipment for Houthis, as Qatar urges focus on Israel-Hamas war
-
Mike Tyson employs two trainers who 'work like a dream team' as Jake Paul fight nears
-
'You Only Call When You're in Trouble' is a witty novel to get you through the winter
-
BMW among CES 'Worst of' list that highlights security concerns and privacy problems
-
Owner of Bahamian diving experience launches investigation after shark attacks US boy