Nicholas is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Down; parents, Anne and Dale Down; sister, Lisa Franknecht (Daniel); and maternal grandfather, Robert Gibson. He is also survived by his nephew, Austin Franknecht, and extended families in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Scotland and Norway, as well as dear friends around the world. He is preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Janet Smith and Harold Down; and maternal grandmother, Nan Gibson.
Nicholas was born in Katy, TX on June 5, 1992, and graduated from Cinco Ranch High School in 2010. He attended Texas State University and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography Urban and Regional Planning. While studying at Texas State, Nick enthusiastically and effectively served as the director for the Bobcat Build Student Planning Committee, assisting in an annual project described by Texas State as “one of the largest, one-day community service projects in the state of Texas.” After graduation, Nicholas worked as a GIS Analyst for the City of Austin for six years.
On November 29, 2019, he married his longtime partner of seven years, Stephanie, in Austin, Texas. They resided in Austin with their dog, Otis, and enjoyed exploring the outdoors, local coffee shops, and trivia nights with friends. Nicholas will always be remembered as a supportive, caring and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and dog dad.
Nicholas touched countless lives with his radiant smile, everlasting kindness and witty sense of humor. He always strived to build a better world and his infectious positivity knew no bounds. The unimaginable strength and bravery he exhibited will forever have an impact on those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for Fall 2020 in Austin, Texas, and the family will provide more information as it becomes available.
Regarding memorial donations, Nicholas’ family is working with Texas State University to establish a scholarship in his honor for students involved with the Bobcat Build organization. His family will provide details for these donations at a later date.
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