On Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, we lost our beloved son, brother, confidant, loved one, and friend, Charles Nicholas Elizondo. He had just turned 30 years of age. Nick, Papa, Nik-Nak, Copperhead, Niko, Charli— these were only a few of the many names by which we knew him. He was a deep and multifaceted person. With the soul of an artist and musician, he was creative, expansive, and sensitive. He gave each of us a special glimpse into the meaning and passions of his heart. Through life, he carried with him a sense of childlike wonder and adventure. Nicholas always stopped to help others in need along the way, and appreciated those who took the time to lend him a hand on his path as well. He now embarks upon a new journey, back into the arms of his loving creator, Jesus Christ. Born on November 6th, 1995, Nick blessed the lives of his mother, Lori Jill Lessing-Whiteman, and his father, Charles Anthony Elizondo. He was brought home to Canyon Lake, Texas, where his siblings awaited their beautiful baby brother.

Growing up in Texas, Nick was always an explorer of nature. He never let the wonders of God's Earth scare him away, even after being bitten by a Copperhead snake at 8 years old. He wanted to experience all of the mysterious wonders this world had to offer him, whether in the lake with his siblings, catching fish, skipping rocks, or just building a fort amongst the trees. Nick showcased his early artistic abilities by turning his room into a gallery by painting murals on his walls and the ceiling. He was always creating, always curious, and sharing that wonder with others. From playing music to hunting for fossils and shells, his childhood reflected his creative and playful nature.

As Nick grew older, his adventures and horizons expanded. The Puget Sound and mountain views of Seattle, the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauaʻi, the woods and creek beds of North East Texas, and the familiar rolling hills of Central Texas all served as a backdrop for him. In these places, he grew and learned more about himself. He explored many career paths, but he was in his element when sharing the beauty of this Earth with others. He did this as a landscaper on the Island of Kaua'i, as a snorkeling guide on Kauaʻi, and gave jet ski tours in Canyon Lake. He enjoyed repairing vehicles and fixing what was broken. He longboarded, skimboarded, would freedive for his dinner, taught himself to play multiple musical instruments, wrote songs, tattooed, and even made friends with an octopus. From Salt Pond Beach to all of his friends, aunties, and uncles along the way, the Island he loved so much seemed to wrap her arms around him and give him all he needed to grow, learn and love. He gave his family and friends a wealth of beautiful memories that we will carry with us forever.

One symbol that appeared in Nick's art was the Ouroboros--the ancient image of a snake eating its own tail. To Nick, this symbol represented the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It reflects his belief that energy is never truly lost, only transformed. In this way, we can take comfort in knowing that he lives on in us and in the world around us. Please honor him by honoring one another and the planet.

A private celebration of his life will be held on the Island of Kauaʻi where he lived his most free and joyful days. His family will return him to the ocean and island where he found peace and contentment.

In lieu of flowers, you may celebrate Nick's life by making a donation in his name to the following non-profits:

●      Kaua'i United Way: Call (808) 245-2043 or email info@kauaiunitedway.org

●      Hoʻomalu Ke Kai (protects and conserves marine habitats around Kauaʻi): https://www.hoomalukekai.com/donate

Please share your memories of Nick so that we can better understand the full, wonderful picture of who he was. You may sign his public guestbook or share a photo of Nick by following the links above. Private condolences may be sent by filling out the form below.

Welcoming Nick into his next life are his family members who passed before him on his father's side: Grandpa Jesse, Grandma Celia, Great Uncle Matilde, and Uncle Jim.

On his mother Lori Lessing-Whiteman's and stepfather Jim "Trey" Whiteman's side of the family, he is preceded in death by his Great-Grandmother Ethel Marie Lessing, Great Grandfather Henry George Lessing, Great Aunt Laverne Brown, Cousin Rex Brown, Cousin Kelsy Benjamin Lessing, Great Grandmother Pansy Mae Toone, Great Grandfather Wilbur M. Toone, Great Aunt Judith Ann Kent, Great Uncle Harold Brothers, Great Aunt Sherydee Hope Toone, and Great Aunt Sandra Kay Rogers.

On his stepfather's side, he is preceded in death by his Grandfather James "Jim" Bedford Whiteman Jr., Great Grandfather Preston Stone, and Great Grandmother Jeanette Fletcher Stone.

Nick is survived by his family on his father's side, who are deeply honored to carry on in his memory:
His father, Charles Anthony Elizondo; cousins Sterling, Jessica, Xavier Jr., Celia, Yvette, Jeromy, Felicia, Amanda, Eugene, Alexandra, Samantha, Jennifer, Joe, and Melissa, and their spouses and children; aunts Marie, Linda, and Lizz, and their spouses; uncles Jesse and Xavier Sr. and their loved ones; and his beloved pet ferret, Tavi, who misses him dearly.

On his mother's side, he is survived by:
His mother Lori Lessing-Whiteman and stepfather Jim "Trey" Whiteman III; his big brother Bryant Christopher Doebbler and his wife Faith Helm and their children; big sister Alyssa Renee Taylor-Hover, her husband Kelly Hover, and their children; big brother Travis Austin Taylor, and his children, Benjamin and Josie; stepbrother Preston Kohl Whiteman and his wife Presley Whiteman and their children Avah, Preslie, and Ridge; big sister Chelsea Nicole Lessing and her husband Matt Melvin; and baby brother, Wade Reid Whiteman.

His surviving grandparents are Sherlyn Joyce Badders, Gary Allen Lessing, and Laticia-Stone Whiteman "Grandma-T".

Nick is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins, including:
Nick's Great Uncle Wilbur "Sonny" Toone, and Husband Tony Morales, Cousin Hannah Kate Toone and her family, Great Uncle Alton and his children and grandchildren; Aunt Lesa Lynn Lessing Stai and husband Gavin Stai, and their children Kyle, Brittany, and Emma Rose Stai; Uncle Erich Scott Lessing and wife Amy Lessing, and their children Garrett, Christopher, Matthew, Kyla, and Bradley; Aunt Lee Ann Badders and husband James Badders and their children; Uncle Tony Lutz; Jacob Lutz and wife Jenna and their children; Sara Lutz-Romo and husband Diego-Perez Romo and their children; Aunt Melissa Rodriguez and husband Mike Rodriguez and their children Shelby Skipper, Baylee Tibbs, and their children, and Reese; and Aunt Annie Lessing and her two children.

While searching for his place in this beautiful, complex, and sometimes confusing world, Nick encountered many other special souls. There are so many other friends, aunties, and uncles on his island home who loved him and took him under their wings. For that, Niko's Momma says: "Thank you, Kauaʻi."

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com