Some thoughts on Brian Barczyk. His vlog today was heartbreaking but we can continue his legacy. 

Wonderful message, Bob. Thank you for spreading positivity.

I was on a very dark path in life . Spent years of my life in prison.. when I got out in 2018 I started watching his vlogs and he got me into reptiles! Because of him I would rescue dying reptiles and bring them back to health and rehome them ... raised a bunch of beautiful reptiles my self! He showed me there is alot of light to this world. Happy I was able to experience and learn from his wisdom. RIP Brian. Thank You

"In the end guys the only thing that matters is being good to people. Your family matters. Your friends matter. Being a kind person matters. Being a good person matters. Nothing else matters." Brian Baryzk

Goosebumps is all I can say about his vlog. He wins against cancer. So glad he and Lori did their handprint in the tree for all to see.

We're losing an icon. It is a sad time in the reptile world, but we can carry forward what he accomplished. Thank you for encouraging that. He will be missed by so many.

Most of us havent met him, all of us are crying. Well Done Brian,Truly Blessed. You did good in this world.

I met him exactly five years ago, the first and only time he came to Italy. I remember looking for him and all of a sudden he was next to me, holding a corn snake with his unforgettable smile. I thought: "Oh my god, all this time watching his videos and just like that he's right in front of me...". Can't deny that I felt a bit uneasy when I left. I mean, there were so many things I wanted to say. How could I tell him that he was my hero in just a matter of a few seconds? The idea that I will never be able to meet him again kills me. Only the ones who are fool enough to think they can change the world are the ones managing to do so. It's been an amazing journey. I can only say "Thank you Brian".

I had a fight with my wife the other day, and I was writing out some thoughts on the kind of person I want to be. I wrote down Brian's name as an example of someone whose personality I wanted to try to learn from - I had to look up his last name to remember the spelling, and I saw the video. Snakes and reptiles are great and everything, but Brian was so much bigger than that. His relentless positivity is legendary. I've been watching him for about 12 years now, and that's definitely the thing I'll remember the most about him and the thing I appreciate the most. He was an example for all of us to live sincerely, kindly, and enthusiastically even in the face of adversity. Someone said he was the best thing that's ever happened to the herpetology community, and I believe it. He was our Steve Irwin. I can't believe cancer got another one. First Ronnie James Dio and now Brian. The world will be colder when he passes.

I found Brian after I lost my father to leukemia in 2018. He helped me out of the immense grief I was feeling. Because if Brian, I decided it was time and I bought my first snake in 2020. I’m so heartbroken for Brian and his family. He’s an extraordinarily special human being and means so much to me, though I’ve never met him. I call him the Godfather of my snakes, because I wouldn’t have had them. 💔 Brian will always be with us all. He’s leaving a part of himself with all of us in his vlogs, the Reptarium, and the LegaSea.

I cried my eyes out watching it this morning, he had such a positive attitude right to the end. It's heartbreaking he won't get to see the opening of the aquarium, but I'm glad he and Lori have their hand prints there. He'll always be there and at the Reptarium ❤

I never met Brian. But the goodbye video had me crying as if I was losing someone I've known for years.. I can't believe he's gone. He is and will always be an icon for the reptile community no matter the mistakes he's made in the past. He will be missed by so many and his legacy will continue forward no matter what.

My grandma passed to brain cancer 3 months ago. After a 2 year battle. I was never able to fully grieve even though we were close. She was positive all the way up through the end. Just like Brian. Brian's video unlocked all of that, and I cried most of the video. He helped so many of us in the community. His legacy will live on and shine brightly, without a doubt

He has lasted a long time with Pancreatic Cancer. His legacy is an inspiration for all of us. He has inspired all of us in the Reptile Community and spread his love for animals. I will honour his legacy by supporting Lori and his channel. In my seventies, Brian, by living his dream, convinced me to get my Dream Snakes. I now have 2 male Burmese Pythons. Thank you for honouring Brian. Such an inspiration to all of us.

I have never met Brian and i regret that. I watched his goodbye video and cried ...RIP Brian...see you on the other side...prayers for You,Your family,Your friends and the Reptile Army...

Thank you, Bob. 😢

I'm standing at work crying for him and his family, this is heartbreaking. I never got a chance to meet him, but I feel like I've known him for years through all his videos. Thank you Bob for sharing your feelings and thoughts. Hugs to you ❤

Ive been crying all day. I can't imagine not seeing him every day.He will be so missed.❤

I think this goes to show what kind of an impact Brian had on the community. A role model, an inspiration, one that spent every single video with one goal and that was to spread positivity. Rest easy, Brian.

Brian literally feels like an Uncle to me. He's been in my for so many years Via his videos. This is a loss that I will forever remember. I lost my uncle to brain cancer about 20 yrs ago. He went from an avid outdoorsman, healthy, active to dead in 6 months and the decline was the worst thing I've ever seen in my life. I just can't believe we haven't found cures for these different types of cancer. This is devastating for his viewers and fans but exponentially more devastating for his family and friends. He touched so many people and taught us all so much. His legacy is one that will last.

It took me hours to gather the courage to watch his video today, knowing it would bring sadness. He’s the reason I’ve overcome my fear of snakes, and even though we’ve never met, I’ll deeply miss him. He’s been a significant part of my daily life for many years now. Thank you for sharing, Bob.

My husband and I cried our eyes out. Thank you brother for sharing your feelings ❤

It made me cry 😢 he got me back into reptiles as an adult. That man was and will always be a treasure. And so are you bob

I cried so hard during his video. Thank you for your message.. #BrianStrong

He has had the most positive energy even when saying good bye. I pray we do continue his messages of inspiration, kindness and positive out look. It is extremely sad that the world is losing a bright light, let us shine for him.

Bob, I found you because of Brian. We are all in a weird way friends and or family. You're a great human, and you much like Brian help us commoners in reptiles feel like we are part of something.

I bawled my eyes out. This man fought so damn hard to live and I hate that its happening like this. He was such a positive light in this world.

I have been devastated this past week. I have watched his content for going on 10+ years now. His passion and love for animals has been incredible. I have learned so much from him, and he has helped me through some tough times. I know he will forever be remembered and his legacy will live on as well. I am also going to make it a mission to visit The Repitarium and the aquarium once it opens. I can't imagine life without him but I know he will be there in spirit. Wonderful tribute.

Despite knowing that this day was coming I feel blindsided by it. Brian has manifested so much of his will over the last decade I thought he might actually beat this particularly grim diagnosis. He deserved to beat it. Not just for the animal life he grew and protected but for his unrelenting positivity. It really did trickle down and inspire millions of people. Very sad day.

My heart is crumbling as time goes by for Brian. He was a light in this sometimes very dark hobby we love, always educating people because his love for animals is off the charts. To be alive when Steve Irwin was alive, and Brian's journey, it's just so unreal to have been blessed by both men in our lives, the best of the best. Can you imagine the talks those 2 men will have together. Wow!! Brian is loved by so many, and there will be so many animals waiting to thank him. He is what humanity looks like. Thank you for it all, Brian!! Every last heartbeat of your's is a privilege for us to witness.

Thanks for this Bob.. His vlog was heartbreaking and it’s just made me sad today. It’s crazy how many lives he touched. Thank you for your kind words ❤️‍🩹

Brian is the best friend i never met. Prayers and Love to him and his family. Stay kind stay blessed

I felt sad too but we will keep him alive in our hearts. ❤

I cried my eyes out this morning watching Brian’s goodbye. Truly heartbreaking.

Brian fought as hard as he could. Pancreatic cancer is a horrible illness to try to beat. It took my dad who was my best friend a couple of years ago. Watching him waste away from the disease, chemo, and radiation was so traumatic i cant even explain. At the time of writing this i dont know if brian is still with us but if his experience was anything like my dads hes ready for peace. Will miss you man.

That video this morning was heartbreaking but he leaves behind a great and positive legacy something most of us can only hope to achieve. It feels like when we lost Steve Irwin. But legends never die.

I watched the whole thing, and it broke my entire heart. But youre right about Brian, he wants us to carry on. Continuing to share the love and care for animals and continuing to foster that in people, lead life with kindness and empathy and compassion. For Brian and the betterment of all things. ❤

He's been my Idol since I first found him years ago. Seeing him and his family go through this is just breaking my heart. I will continue to watch the vlog and start from his very first video to watch them all with my two young boys.

I found you because of Brian. We are all interconnected in our love for him and what he stood for. Our hearts are broken by the loss we are facing. I will continue to support his vlog, the LegaSea aquarium project and all his beautiful family and crew. I would ask you all to do the same. He will be so proud looking down at all that he has touch. Let’s continue what he began

So heartbreaking. He accomplished so much and touched so many lives, all for the better. My thoughts are with his family and everyone else who is also grieving.

I sobbed my heart out all the way through his goodbye video and I havent stopped since. I never met or spoke to him but I feel like I have. Ive lost too many friends to cancer and this has hit me just as hard. I wish him a peaceful journey.

I hear ya Bob. I seen his video this morning I couldn’t hold it in. I was planning this year to go meet him. I will still go because I need to see in person what his has built. For the love of Brian we always celebrate him.

Yes it’s been a very emotional day for everyone that has been blessed to have some kind of interaction with the great Brian Barczyk , I’ve been watching his vlogs for a few yrs and always looked forward to seeing them. He will be missed but like a true legend he will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words

I just finished it too, I had to stop my calls for work for a couple minutes so I could compose myself because I started tearing up 😢 I hope the Reptarium inspires a lot of people to be kind to animals and to understand reptiles better. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The reptile community is a unique place and needs all the positivity possible.

I feel the same Bob! It was so heartbreaking! His legacy will live on in every person that loves reptiles and in those like me that aren’t fans but respects them for their need and purpose! The more educated I get the less fear I have and realize my fear is from misinformation! Kindness matters always and this world definitely needs more of it! 💔

I saw the video first thing this morning. Broke my heart--I cried through the whole thing.... I bought my first 2 snakes from him 4 years ago. He has been such an inspiration to me and, I know, to others. He, in my book, is right up there with Steve Irwin.. On the plus side, I look forward to what Lori and the gang are doing and going to do to carry on his legacy. 😪

I agree, positivity and spreading joy and the joy we get from our animals, spreading education and knowledge...and just loving LIFE I think would honor Brian best. Hugs to you, big guy.

Watching his video was so sad. My family first met Brian exactly ten years ago yesterday at the Pomona Super Show in 2014. Over the years we were very fortunate to meet him many other times at other Super Shows and NARBC Shows, as well as several times at Jay Bewers Prehistoric Pets for after hours Living the Dream events. The last time was last year at Tinley Park. An unbelievable person, he was always so nice and willing to talk to anybody, and made you feel like he knew you forever. I am glad his suffering is almost over (he put up a huge fight) and we will always have his videos to watch over and over.

I held so much hope as people do because I know how strong he is and what a fighter he is. Just dosemt seem fair to see such a good man go this way. That goodbye video had me crying from start to finish and then some more.

It made me soooo sad too! Im from Michigan and i have 2 of Brian's snakes and i plan on getting one more to help continue his legacy!

I just watched the video and I’m bawling for someone I never met. What a neat guy. Thank you Bob for letting us know and to both you and Brian for sharing your light with us. 💔

Brian has been such an amazing human being and an inspiration to millions of people. We will continue to watch his family and crew in the vlog. The reptile army loves you Brian! ❤

Mr Brian would want us 😢to enjoy everyday like it's a gift and smile no matter what's going on and enjoy the moment. Cause in reality that's all you are ever given. Once that moment has passed that's it. We respect what's given to each and every one of us. 😢

Hi Bob, I saw you at the Pomona Reptile Super Show last weekend, wanted to say hi but you were really busy talking to some other folks and I didn't wanna interrupt. Anyway, what I wanted to say that this video you did for Brian is so real, genuine, and very touching. Thank you for doing what you do, and everyone please keep Brian in your thoughts. He will be greatly missed. Thank you Bob!

Brian's goodbye video crushed me. Such a wonderful and unselfish human. He is going to be missed so much.

I just finished watching it. Dang, that was hard. I've watched relatives pass due to cancer and other illnesses, and....yeah. It's so touching to see how many people are coming out of the woodwork, so to speak, to reflect on Brian's life and show their love and appreciation for him. I only knew him through his vlog and he really was an amazing man. I did come to love him. A really great person is leaving much too soon. #BRIANSTRONG

My wife had to console me after I watched his goodbye video. I found your channel through his. Crazy, I feel like I am loosing my best friend or brother. I've never met Brian and yet I still feel this way.

I don't know how anyone could have watched Brian today and not shed a few tears. His passing is rough for thus of us who only watch his vlogs. The impact on his crew and of course is family will be hard. I know the pain though. I pray he soars high and at peace.

Bob, great job! Brian is an amazing human being. I felt exactly the way you are feeling when I watched this morning. Sad time for our community. But we will carry on his beliefs and dreams!!

It's so messed up. I don't even know what to say. I hate cancer. It cheats good people and their loved ones out of the time they thought they had. It's just so awful. I lost both my parents to this thing. I'm sorry I can't be more positive. I know the roller coaster of hope and despair Brian and his family have experienced through this process since the diagnosis only to arrive here. It devastating. Someone told me that the pain never actually goes away, but with time, you learn to live with it. Those were the only words that brought me any comfort after everything, and they were right.

Brian touched all of us. He is such a special person. I feel just terrible for him and his family. I lost my dad to cancer 4 years ago and it was so bad on all of us. They still have an aquarium to finish building. Just so crazy. Im glad you came on and said something though. I feel like especially right now, we will need to lean on each other and all grieve together.

I saw his video a few hours ago-this is so HORRIBLE & such a HUGE loss to our Reptile Community!! I’m still in shock about it- when he first announced he was sick, I was confident he would pull through!! But it seemed to me that everything escalated VERY quickly. I know there’s never a ‘good’ time for a tragedy, but it’s extra sad that his aquarium isn’t open, and worse that he’s mad at himself that he can’t be there. My heart absolutely BREAKS for Brian & poor Lori, & his family!! 💚💚

His goodbye video especially touched close to home with having a friend who is presently under hospice care for the same type of cancer. It’s hard.

You’re not the only one. I don’t think most of us have met him, but felt like he was a good friend that you haven’t seen in a long time. His contributions to the hobby we be with us all for a lifetime. Brian, and Steve Irwin were 2 of the most inspirational people of our time for animals , and reptiles in my opinion. They both loved animals, people, and lived life to the fullest. They are both sadly missed.

Brian inspired so many, me included. While sad I am extremely grateful for his work and outlook on life. He turned me into a reptile lover. ❤

51 years old, never met Brian... cried like a baby watching his video today.

He became such a staple part of my family's lives for years. We met him at the Reptarium 1.0 a few times and he was such a sweet heart. My kids loved him so much.

It is heartbreaking. It made me really sad as well. Brian has had such a positive impact on so many people, including me. Tough day for all that appreciated what he does

Kind words for a friend and icon. Brian is so kind and amazing. He’s in our hearts and prayers. Take care. 😔❤🙏🏼

I never really knew Brian or watched his vlog until more recently than everyone. What I saw the most was his constant and super enthusiastic support of everyone else in the hobby as well as his love for his fans. He makes me wish I got into this hobby earlier. It is a huge loss to the community, let alone his family. We should all treat each other as well as he did. Hugs to all.

Thank you for sharing this Bob. I'm sure this was as hard to make as it was to watch Brian's vlog. Brian was an inspiration to so many people and we need to continue his legacy by being kind, good, and sharing our love of animals with others.

I cried so hard watching his vlog, he inspired so many 😢 I had to watch my father die at home on hospice. It’s rough. I’m praying 🙏 that it’ll be a as peaceful a transition for both Brian and those that he leaves behind😢😢

He is one of the best❤❤ the most important thing he has taught so many people is kindness and respect❤❤❤

Brian is the reason I got my first snake watched him with my son as he grew up and found your channel love your message to Brian his legacy will live on in Detroit ❤

I'm going to need some time to heal from this. We all will. ❤ Sending hugs to everyone.

Brian's goodbye video was sad. he's at peace and entering hospice and that's enough for me. I am so grateful that he shared his journey, and especially that he had "bad news" videos prerecorded showing that the whole time he was walking with his eyes open and had an "It's time" plan and was enjoying life while he could. Major respect and brianstrong.

Most people who’ve met/know me would swear I don’t have a heart, I’m very coldly logical in my approach to life-just call me Spock- but I bawled when I watched this morning. I absolutely love Brian and his exuberance for animals, his quest to encourage education/understanding, his openness for honest discussion. If you’ve ever even experienced 1 of his vlogs, you can’t help but love him and acknowledge the huge hole he will leave in not just the reptile world but the world in general. I’ll always wish I could have made the trip up to meet him.

So many people who never met Brian are mourning. He is my hero. What an impact he made in so many lives. People and animals. I’m more upset by Brian’s illness and impending death than some of my relatives I’ve lost. I can’t explain that but I think many can relate.

Beautiful message truly beautiful I think Brian would fill very blessed to hear how he touched and moved people to continue his legacy

thank you...Brian touched so many people without ever meeting them ✝️

I have never cried so much for someone who I never met. It’s so heartbreaking 💔..

Damn ,,,,, That is truly sad i must say ,,, he is like a family member to me ,,,,,,, But The main Don of them all have a much bigger and better plan for Brian ,,,, All we can do now is just Respect the works of a great one and get even better on our animal journeys ,,,,, Much respects for Brian and his family ,,, Lori will hold it down ''''' " The Legacy will be a blast "

I have never met Brian or even talked to him.. but that video... made my heard sink. Watching him for so many years.. He had an impact on so many lives..

I sobbed. I’ve known Brian since the early 90’s when the hobby was really taking off. He did so much for the community. Absolutely gutted. I had hoped he would beat it 😢💔

Beautiful tribute & to everything right in an individual such as Brian, we will never forget him & his legacy will live on as it should. ♡

Yes Brian will never be forgotten !! In our Army !!

That was the hardest thing to watch!!! Meeting him was one of my goals. I still plan on visiting both the reptarium and lega-sea. I will sooo miss his daily vlogs.

I feel your heart in this with Brian, My heart aches for him and his family. I'm older than he is, and he said he was going to Jesus, so it won't be long before I get to meet him for the first time. He was such an inspiration for me and millions of his followers. Be encouraged and continue chasing your dream. Thank you!

Lost for words really. I've been following him for years. Watched his channel grow, his business. What a sad day.

I've been subscribed to his channel since I got a leopard gecko years ago. I'd never thought much about getting a snake at that time, but I enjoyed seeing the snakes he was breeding and just watching him handle them all like it was no big deal, and I think all of that led to me getting more comfortable with snakes indirectly so that I was more confident when I decided to get my first snake last month. Your content and also Snake Discovery content has helped me be less afraid too. I hope his final days are peaceful

I’m also going to continue watching the vlog every day to support him as I have every day and I cried my eyes out. Never met him in person but he was just so positive and so inspiring I felt like I knew him from watching every day

100 percent ❤ such an incredible man

Much love, brother I spent all morning in tears. I had to go to the bathroom about three times at work. I never met Brian, but he’s always meant a lot to me. and honestly, every time I go into my snake room and I look at my Burmese pythons. I will always think about Brian the level of keeping we all keep at wouldn’t be possible without people like Brian, Brian in my brain, is the same as Steve Irwin. I’ll always love both of them. We all need to look on the bright side Brian’s been suffering and and I really do believe that Brian was such an amazing person. God just wanted him back. Sending love to all my fellow keepers this is hard on all of us let’s honor Brian and continue to educate, and teach people about these amazing animals.

Heart wrenching and no words. Brian himself is an inspiration and legacy, and will be remembered no matter what. Prayers during this sad time. 😢

I’ve been crying all night over this. I’ve been watching Brian since he first started his RU-vid channel. Not only did he inspire my love for reptiles, but he was always a positive light in the darkness. In the last year by watching your videos and his vlogs my mom conquered her fear of snakes and actually enjoys watching videos about them. I also got my first ball python, and my mom loves to sit and admire him when he’s out. He will be missed by so many

Brian is an amazing man he is a very kind positive person and he is strong. Brian also is very compassionate and he love his family friends crew and community. My love goes out to Brian his family friends crew and community. I am grateful that I was able to watch his videos and learn so much about animals and I am grateful that Brian was able to share his love and passion for animals with so many people. ❤️🙏

So sad, I just saw it too. 😢. Brian contributed so passionately to what he loved and has been such an inspiration to many. I never met him either, but I was addicted to his channel and learned so much. Its touching to see the connection we all have whether we meet or not and this video proves it. 🙏🙏🙏to him and his family. Brian will be truely missed by so many and his legacy will go on❤️

Life is precious. Thank you for this post.

Heart breaking to the core. He inspired millions of people. The best we can do for Brian is to do exactly what you said Bob, be kind and positive.

Thanks for sharing. Good people go way too soon! I was lucky enough to meet and speak with him at animalcon! Such a down To earth guy!!! Definitely, not a video I wanted to populate today or ever had to watch! His name and legacy will live on!

I cried my eyes out for quite awhile today. I’m immensely saddened over Brian. I pray for his family🙏🏼