T
om Tilford, a Spokane investor who has worked with Dick Edwards for 50 years, describes him as "smart, good, and honest." Edwards, co-founder of Hawkins Edwards Inc., died on February 11 at the age of 81 while swimming in Cancun. Tilford notes that Edwards' down-to-earth demeanor often hid his impressive educational background, including an engineering degree from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from the University of San Francisco.

    Edwards was a driving force behind economic development on Spokane's West Plains, instrumental in securing major projects such as the Amazon fulfillment center, Petro Travel Center, and Caterpillar Inc. distribution center. Pete Thompson, a commercial real estate broker, recalls Edwards' vision for the area: "He said, 'That West Plains has got everything it needs... two interchanges and an airport. All we have to do is get sewer and water out there.'"

    Thompson credits Edwards with spearheading efforts to bring water service to the area, convincing landowners to support his vision. Longtime Spokane bond lawyer Roy Koegen praises Edwards for pioneering tax-increment financing in Washington state, a strategy that allowed developers to finance public infrastructure upfront with costs refunded later through new property tax revenue.

    Edwards' son Kevin notes that his father thoroughly enjoyed life and never looked at work as work. He loved putting deals together with partners and was always on the lookout for economic development opportunities during family vacations. Edwards is survived by his wife, Leslie, and sons Justin, Kevin, and Chris.