Ralph Edward Ries, 90

Ralph passed away peacefully with his entire family at his side, Jan. 3, 2011, at Life Care Center in Post Falls. Ralph was born in Mendota, Ill., Aug. 11, 1920.

Ralph served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II; he was a member of the Legendary Marine Corps Recon Unit "Carlson's Raiders" whom he fought with at the Battle of the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.

Ralph settled in California after World War II where he met and married the love of his life and wife of 68 years, June. Ralph retired from 20th Century Fox after years of working in the movie industry as a camera boom operator and later in the special effects department. He was a part of some of the most highly regarded movies of our time including "Ben Hur," "Cleopatra," "Hello Dolly" and "Toro Toro Toro." He also worked on several television series such as "Bonanza" and "Get Smart."

Ralph was able to travel all over the world on movie locations, but was most at home on a North Idaho lake, a fishing pole in hand, with his favorite fishing buddy, his son Bob, or following his daughter Nancy on the ball field or at the bowling alley.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished hunter and fisherman. While still in California, Ralph was a member of the highly regarded Hollywood Gun Club Skeet and Trap Team.

Ralph retired to North Idaho in 1972, where was active in several community organizations including the Elks Lodge No. 1254, which he served as Exulted Ruler in 1984. Ralph worked for 10 years for the Post Falls School District where he found much joy driving a school bus and hauling kids to ball games.

Ralph is survived by his wife, June; son Bob; daughter-in-law Betsy; daughter Nancy; son-in-law Bill; grandsons Ryan, Phil and Tim; granddaughter McKenzie and great-grandchildren Eva and Elliot.

At Ralph's request, no services will be held.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Life Care Center in Post Falls who cared for our father and grandfather as if he was their own.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Kootenai Humane Society.