Nicholas Bartkowiak

Nicholas Bartkowiak, 30, of Austin, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 11 as a result of a very aggressive cancer. Nick was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on October 18, 1983, to John and Sally Bartkowiak. At the age of four, Nick moved to Austin. He attended Nazarene Christian School, Hill Country Middle School, and graduated from Westlake High School. On May 15, 2007, Nick had his first date with Amy Pargac. Three years later, the two were married on June 19, 2010.

Nick loved music and played the drums and guitar. He started his first band Nick and the Sticks with his dad at the age of ten. He later played in several bands—many with his best friends Ken Cantu, Wes Lawrence, and Andrew English. His other bands include Red Headed Step Child, Culture Thieves, and Great American Fakeout.

After high school, Nick began working in the computer industry as a software developer. He had a passion for startups and worked his way through the industry until landing a job as the lead developer at the social networking company, Spredfast.

Nick is survived by his loving wife, his parents, and a host of long-time friends.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, North Lamar.

Memorial contributions can be made in Nick's name to the Cancer Research Institute, GLAAD, or the charity of your choice: http://www.cancerresearch.org/giving-to-cri/honor-memorial-giving http://www.glaad.org/support/tributegifts