Bradly Anthony Nieves

Far too often life takes a turn that is hard to deal with.  Sometimes these turns in life are temporary and take us places we never expected to go.  Other times it’s a turn that is permanent and affects everything we know for the rest of our lives!  Last week life took one of those turns.  Bradly Anthony Nieves was out enjoying the beauty and freedom of life on his motorcycle when life took a turn that pulled him into eternity.  

Brad Nieves was a man of special character.  He loved life.  He loved his kids.  He loved making people smile and even laugh if possible.  He had a smile that was welcoming and disarming and infectious!

After living a significant portion of his life dealing with the burden and pain of substance abuse he made a powerful decision to get clean.  Motivated by his love of his kids and family he managed to stay clean for the past 20 years.  Brad never hid his past because he knew that being honest about where he had come from was a story worth telling.  He let the reality of his journey be a motivator to help others, especially kids, stay away from the destruction of drugs.

Brad was born June 30, 1980 in Martinez, California.  He lived most of his life in Columbia Falls where he raised his kids and built his life.  After attending Columbia Falls High School, Brad spent some time in the Army.  He had an honorable discharge with an expert marksmanship badge, rifle bar, and parachute badge.  Brad worked as a chef at the Back Room for many years and was really a big part of the family there. 

Brad moved from cooking at the Back Room to start a career working for Caterpillar in Kalispell.  

Brad’s greatest pride and joy was his kids.  He would do anything for them!  He loved being a dad and influencing the next generation.  He lived loud and proud, and almost always with a smile!

Bradly was preceded in death by his grandparents Pete and Thelma Zaragoza; grandma Mary Vuist, grandfather Saul Nieves, niece Aleah Grace Fisher, and grandpa Jay Jones. 

He is survived by parents Dick and Sharleen Markham of Columbia Falls; father David Nieves of California; children Bradly Anthony Nieves Jr, Dylan Robert David Nieves, and Lucas Jay Nieves; brothers David Nieves, Kyle Markham, Adam Nieves, Nick Nieves and sister, Crystal Fisher; and 13 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday July 31, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Columbia Mortuary for family and close friends.  Space will be limited but there will be a live stream available.  A graveside service to follow at Fairview Cemetery.  There will be a reception at the Back Room following the graveside service.