Edward Smith Dines, known to many in Portland as "Louisiana Ed," has died. Ed and his wife Doris, of forty-eight years, migrated from Louisiana to Portland in the late 1960's in search of a better life than the South afforded at that time.
In those early years, Ed and Doris found gainful employment in Portland but the influence of Louisiana (especially the food) was forever on Ed's mind and in his blood. He would replicate the "Hot Tamale" recipe learned at the hand of his beloved friends, Monroe and Jessie Sweet; but he would go on to develop through trial and error his own Rib Tip specialty and Chili Fritos snack-in-a-bag that would make him famous in the Portland area. The family business, for many years, located at 1505 NE Killingsworth St., became one of the most favored take-out restaurants in the city.
Most people who knew him casually or well, were aware of his compassion and good spirit. He had eyes that saw the "down-and-out," and he found ways to help his fellow man. For example, when he sold a property in recent years he refused to sell for what the market would bear; rather he chose to sell much below market remembering that years earlier it had come to him as a blessing and he would pass the blessing on to the new young buyers.
Ed was the consummate family man. He and Doris settled in a neighborhood in the Northeast section of Portland over 40 years ago and enjoyed many fishing and camping trips that included not only their own family but many of the neighborhood kids as well. Now long grown, many these kids of years past came back to the neighborhood from all parts of the city to help celebrate his last birthday, Sept. 2, just two days before his passing.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers and four sisters. He is remembered with much love by his wife Doris; sons Donald (Diana), OR., Ronald (Rhonda) NV., Oliver (Charmell) WA., and Walter OR.; fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren; many nephews and nieces including Sandra Hahn of Portland, and of special note, Ralph Reggans of Los Angeles, Ca., J. Conte, AZ., Geneva Simon, Houston, TX., who were as close as siblings; three brothers-in-law, John (Viola), Leon (Marie) both of NY, and Timothy (Jeanette) Johnson, Fl.; and two sisters-in-law, Equilla (Earnest) Belcher, TX and Cretta Johnson, CA; Thelma Scott, life-long friend and Elizabeth Davis, both of Portland, Emma Harris of Miss. and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family extends thanks to the community and friends for all expressions of sympathy.
Tributes may be offered and viewed at www.tributes.com
