Nicholas Newby, 20

Spc. Nicholas "Nick" W. Newby, of Coeur d'Alene, was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 7, 2011. He was 20 years old.

He was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 25, 1990. He moved to Coeur d'Alene with his family when he was 5 years old. He graduated from the Bridge Academy in 2008 and entered military service at that same time.

Nick was assigned to the Bravo Company, 145th BSB as a mechanic and later deployed in September 2010 as a Rhino Platoon member in support of Operation New Dawn. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Idaho National Guard State Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

While in Iraq, Nick was completing college courses via the Internet. He had plans to complete his associates degree at North Idaho College before attending Boise State University. He was an avid reader, always seeking knowledge and truth.

*(Nick's family shares)

*Nick radiated positive energy and the smile never left his face. His favorite saying was "Quit whining" or "Quit yer bitchen." His laugh was both ridiculous and infectious. Nick had a profound impact on everyone in his life and this community will forever be changed by his death.

Nick is survived by his mother Theresa Hart, his father Wayne Newby, stepfather James Hart, stepmother Brigette Newby, brother Nathan Newby, half-brother Ryder Newby, maternal grandparents Roy and Pat Powers, paternal great-grandmother Blanche Donahue, his life-long friend Halei Schreiber and numerous step siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his doggie dog, Jax. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents.

Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2011, at the Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene. Please visit Nick's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangemnts. The public is encouraged to attend this event.