Eddie Robertson

In the small town of Frankville, just outside of Jackson, Alabama, Eddie Robertson was born on June 18, 1936 to Hattie Donaldson and Eddie Roberts; as well as James Abston his step father. Eddie was the youngest of four children; James, Surry Lee, and Hattie Mae.

After high school he joined the Navy where he honed his culinary skills. Eddie spent some time living in Galveston, Texas and Mobile, Alabama before he was honorably discharged in San Diego, California. He eventually moved to Monrovia, California where he began his studies in histology at the City of Hope in Duarte, California. While in California, Eddie became very active with the Democratic Party working on political campaigns. He also started his first

business painting houses on the weekends.

In 1970 Eddie moved to Portland, Oregon where he continued working as a histology technician with the VA hospital in Vancouver and Portland often moonlighting at other labs to support his family. Eddie remained active in politics and his community coaching soccer, little league baseball and boys and girls basketball. Eddie was instrumental in forming the Oregon Black Caucus and was an active supporter of Neil Goldschmidt’s campaign as mayor.

In 1989 he started a histology lab out of the garage of his northeast Portland home, Portland Tissue Processing Lab, which proved to be his third and most successful business venture. Eddie was passionate about the quality of histology and how it contributed to healthcare. This passion led to establishing the first independent histology laboratory in Oregon. His reputation for excellence spread which led to the opening of a 2nd lab in northern California.

Eddie Robertson retired but remained involved in the business until his last days. His interpersonal skills, belief in family values, hard work and integrity affected many people and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Eddie is survived by his sister Hattie Canty, his children; Donald, Jennifer & Lionel, Greg & Kendra, Kenneth, Shawn & Gina, Lisa & Shaun, Kevin & Chanica, Chris & Tracy, Anthony & Jane and Denise, as well as 36 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is

predeceased by his parents, brothers; James and Surry Lee, and daughter Sidney.

Arrangements under the direction of Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St. John's Lombard Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland, OR.