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.

Racquiya attended Woodland and Rosa Parks elementary schools, as well as George Middle School. She was an honorary member of God 'N Charge Ministries, a community based, non-profit organization that uses the arts to spread the word and love of God.

Velma Denise LaCour, a beaming ray of light for family and friends in Portland, Denver and Los Angeles, died earlier this summer after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was 61.

Jack Virgil Curtis, Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Jack and Curley Curtis on December 1, 1933. Jack departed this world and entered into Glory, August 24, 2009 ... Funeral Services were held at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 2 with Graveside Service and Military Honors at 2:15pm on Wednesday at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Washington.

George James Verreen Jr. died on Aug. 19. He was 64

Kenneth "KJ" Dawkins Jr. died on Aug. 16. He was 35...

Lawrence Melvin Davison died on Aug. 3. He was born on April 15, 1939 in Portland, Oregon...

Deetta Yvonne Thompson died on Aug. 12. She was 81.
Born in Maxwell, Ore., on March 6, 1928, Deetta is survived by her husband Rev. Lige J. Thompson.

Debra Denise LyDay died from complications due to seizures on Aug. 15. The funeral service is 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at The Sharon Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5209 NE 22nd Ave. Pastor Royal L. Harrison will be officiating ...

Gary Wayne Livingston Sr. was born on July 4, 1935 to Glen G. Livingston and Irene Livingston in Shelby, Mt. This proud warrior and member of the Chippawa lost tribe of the Little Shellnation died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009.