Jose Rafael 'Ralph' Nieves-Maldonado, 55

Jose Rafael Nieves-Maldonado, aka "Ralph," was born Feb. 26, 1960, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Maria Dolores Rosado.

Ralph was raised in San Jose, Calif., and lived there until 1995 when he moved to Alamosa, Colo. He moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to be with his daughter and extended family due to poor health six years ago.

Ralph was a wonderful father, grandfather and the best friend anyone could have. The sparkle in his eyes came from the love he had for his daughter, Kaila Nieves, and granddaughter, Nevaeh Johnson.

Ralph loved his San Francisco 49ers, watching new and old WWE wrestling or any professional wrestling, and Marvel Comics. He loved to cook for everyone and take care of his family. He had a huge heart and cared for everyone who came in contact with him.

Ralph fought a long and hard fight for many years dealing with lung issues and this last month a battle with liver cancer, but he did what he always did no matter how sick he was - he joked to keep everyone in good spirits and fought to the end.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Rosado; brother Thomas Nieves; sister Maria Nieves and uncle Carlos Maldonado. He is survived by his daughter, Kaila Nieves and granddaughter Nevaeh Johnson; best friend through life Faye Maestas; special parents Bob and Alice Kernen; brother Michael Nieves and sister Maria Miller; special friends The Rivas Family, Jackie Zugg, The Mood and Dodge families; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and all of his "adopted" kids.

Ralph's Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his home, 1537 E. Davis Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Please sign Ralph's guest registry and view his online memorial at englishfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for funeral costs to English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene or at his GoFundMe account on Facebook.