Nicolas Joseph Arburn, age 18, passed away on June 12, 2012. A beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, he was loved by many people including those in the caving and reptile communities. The joys in his life were fishing, hunting, exploring and hiking, and collecting snakes and other reptiles. He was an active participant of the Junior Speleological Society and a member of the Texas Speleological Association, Bexar Grotto, and the North American Hunting Club. Nick also belonged to the Lonestar Reptile Syndicate. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and love of animals. His infectious smile and wonderful bear hugs will be missed by many.

Nick is survived by his father Don Arburn, his mother Jenni Arburn, his sister Jessica (Waters) Lewis and brother-in-law Army SPC Trey Lewis, grandparents Lavonne and Charles Bradfield, Robert Arburn, and Joe and Ele Bucha, his uncle Scott Trautman, his aunts and uncles Ginger and Billy Rogers, Angel Bucha, Allan Dow, Audry and Justin Abbey, and cousins Abel Rogers-Garcia, Rhianon Rogers, Reno Wilson, Tony and Amanda Smith and numerous other family members as well as his dogs Lucy and Chica.

He has been preceded in death by his grandmother Andrea Bucha.

No funeral services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nick’s name to the Junior Speleological Society Fund of the National Speleological Society through http://caves.org/donate/.