SOWINSKI, SGT., Nicholas Ryan

The Prescott Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Sergeant Nicholas Ryan Sowinski of the U.S. Army 172 Stryker Brigade died proudly serving his country in Baghdad, Iraq, on Oct. 11, 2006, when a roadside bomb exploded near his Stryker. Born Aug. 15, 1981, Nick is survived by his mother, Diane Traynor Sowinski; his brothers, Jared and Austin; his maternal grandparents, Josephine Traynor and Norm Griest; his paternal grandmother, Mary Sowinski; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Nick was born in Houston, Texas, and lived for seven years in Saudi Arabia. He then moved to Scottsdale at the age of nine and made Arizona his home. He graduated from Brophy College Preparatory and attended Arizona State University. He loved life. He loved camping, skiing, hiking, rock climbing, wrestling, movies, books, music, golf and just hanging out with his cherished friends. Nick joined the Army believing that if others were risking their lives for our country, he should be standing with them. His honor, loyalty and courage were exemplary. Nicholas will be dearly missed by all who knew him and our grief is only slightly lessened by the knowledge that he was extremely proud to be in the Army and he truly loved what he did. May God and the angels surround him with love. Viewing will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Road in Phoenix. The funeral will be Saturday at noon, followed by Military Honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona and then a gathering to celebrate Nick's life. Information provided by survivors.