Jim Ledue, who died Oct. 23, was one of Portland's leading creative citizens. He not only contributed two of our city's best-loved restaurants, The Good Egg and Alberta's, he was also unfailingly generous.

I recall, as a member of the Mad Horse Theater Ensemble in the 1980s, that Jim would cheerfully provide us with delicious platters to serve our patrons and to celebrate our openings, often on days that were very busy for him in his restaurants. Jim was always fun to run into, as he had wonderful energy and quick wit.

We have lost some of Portland's most generous and intelligent friends in the past year or two. I still think fondly of Susan Bergier, who gave and encouraged others by example, and of Bob Solotaire, who was always seated reassuringly on the same stool at the Good Egg every Saturday morning.

Running into Bob on Congress Street always meant your day would change for the better. His paintings are a chronicle of how our city has grown and changed.

We will miss them all.

Terry Weyl

Portland