Jorge Dias (5 Sep 1922 - 28 Oct 2018)

In loving memory of Jorge Dias who sadly passed away on 28th October 2018

Jorge died peacefully at his home on Sunday 28th October having reached the vintage age (like a very fine port) of 96 years. Jorge was born in the city of Lisbon in1922 and from the very beginning had a connection to the UK as his mother was half English. Being fluent in both English and Portuguese turned out to be a great advantage when he set off for London in 1947 to explore new opportunities and begin a long and fulfilling career at Casa de Portugal, the Portuguese tourist office, in Lower Regent Street. He was transferred to the New York office in 1961 and then returned to London in 1965 having been appointed Director of Casa de Portugal and Commercial Attaché to the Portuguese Embassy.

Jorge relished this role - being referred to once as Mr Portugal and quoted as saying “I love meeting people and working for Portugal”. He made it his mission to tell the world that Portugal had wonderful beaches, historic old towns, amazing wines and port, orchards of cork trees, and kind people. He worked tirelessly to open new channels and dedicated himself to networking long before the term had been invented. He was also a key player in the Anglo Portuguese Society. His enthusiasm paid off - when he first started working in 1947 4,000 tourists travelled to Portugal by 1970 the figure rose to 406,157 now in 2018 it is a staggering 12.7 million. A job well done!

Another passion of his was wine so when the time came for a career change in 1975 he went to work for Atkinson Baldwin the well known makers of Drambuie and importers of fine wine. During this time he worked very successfully with a number of Portuguese wine producers to introduce more of their products into this country.

Jorge married his beautiful English wife Betty in 1950 having met her at Epsom tennis club and they spent over 60 happy years together. They were the perfect couple! He was outgoing and industrious and she was an excellent hostess who loved cooking whilst they both enjoyed entertaining and took pleasure in going to the theatre and concerts with friends. They often visited Portugal but also enjoyed travelling further afield and discovering new territories. At the same time he revelled in being at home and was a great family man. When Betty’s sight failed and she was more fragile he looked after her with unwavering devotion.

Jorge greatly valued all his friends and sustained friendships over many years. His generous hospitality was well known, he was an excellent cook and his gourmet meals were enjoyed by family and friends. His knowledge of wine and port was encyclopaedic. He once said that “fine vintage port beautifully served with ancient ritual after a magnificent lunch or supper is one of the supreme pleasures of this earth”!

Jorge will always be remembered for his love of life and positive spirit. There is no denying it – his was a life well lived. “In a way he will never die - his presence will be kept in our hearts and minds. Forever.”

Jorge's funeral service is being held at :
12.30pm, Tuesday 20th November
Randalls Park Crematorium
Randalls Rd, Leatherhead
KT22 0AG

Family flowers only please but donations, in Jorge’s memory may be made to:
Princess Alice Hospice
either online via www.funeralzone.co.uk/54083
or cheques sent c/o Alan Greenwood & Sons
25 The Street, Ashtead KT21 1AA.