Michigan’s ‘Snake Guy’ loses cancer battle, public invited to memorial walk-through

Updated: Jan. 15, 2024, 5:58 p.m.
|Published: Jan. 15, 2024, 5:56 p.m.

Brian Barczyk, owner of The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan, has lost his battle with inoperable pancreatic cancer.Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive

Edward Pevos |

UTICA, MI - A public memorial will be held to honor Michigan’s Snake Guy,” Brian Barczyk, who has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. The family informed the public of his death today on his Facebook page and we also confirmed his death with the church where is public memorial will be held.

Nine days ago, Barczyk, who owned The Reptarium in Utica, posted his final YouTube video, “This is Goodbye.” In it, Barczyk, who has more than 5 million YouTube subscribers, thanked family, friends and viewers for their love and support as he mentioned how painful battling pancreatic cancer had been.

“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 Reptarium team wrote on Facebook. “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 Barczyk family is holding a public memorial walk-through to honor his memory on Wednesday, January 17 at Heritage Church, located at 44625 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights. The memorial is from 1-3pm.

The family also encourages people to show their support by visiting The Reptarium’s website where people can leave a message for the family.

Barczyk and his team had been working to expand The Reptarium at a 30,000 square foot facility across the street which will be called LegaSea Aquarium. No opening date has been given. Barczyk said in his goodbye video that he badly wanted to be at the opening.

“Listen, I wanted to be there and greet you guys at the open and that’s all I dreamt of. Unfortunately, I gotta tell you, that is not going to happen. I’m not going to be there to see the open. I’m not even going to be there to see it done.”

The Reptarium team says Barczyk’s handprints will be at LegaSea’s opening, allowing visitors to place their hands in his.

“I pray that you guys will continue to watch the Vlog and continue to follow along because nothing is going to change,” Barczyk added in his goodbye video. “Our messages will be the same. The difference is, you’re not going to see me.”

Here is his goodbye video in its entirety:

Stories by Edward Pevos

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