Michael E. Taylor, 81, of Camano Island, WA, passed away on February 17th, 2025, in Stanwood, WA. Born on January 14th, 1944, to Edwin and Ruth Ella Taylor in Sacramento, CA, Michael’s early years were shaped by the military lifestyle as his family moved from base to base across the country, although he spent the majority of his youth in Sacramento.
Michael met his beloved wife, Doris, during their high school years in Carlisle, PA, where he was a senior and she was a sophomore. Their enduring love blossomed through letters exchanged nearly every day for seven years before they married in 1969. Together, they created a life filled with adventure, celebrating 64 years of marriage last June. They lived in various homes, including a floating residence on Lake Union in Seattle, an adobe house in Santa Fe, NM, and a cedar log house in rural Okanogan, WA, before settling in their waterfront home on Camano Island. Doris, who passed away in October 2024, was Michael’s steadfast partner throughout their journey. He is survived by their daughter Meghan and grandson Desmond, as well as the eight foreign exchange students they welcomed into their lives, who became part of their extended family.
After graduating high school, Michael pursued his passion for philosophy and earned a law degree from the University of California at Davis Law School as part of its inaugural graduating class. He entered the legal profession during a pivotal time, becoming one of the early advocates for tribal governments as an in-house attorney. For over 50 years, Michael applied his exceptional legal skills in support of the rights and sovereignty of Indian Nations and Tribes.
In his illustrious career, he represented the Quinault Nation in the landmark case, United States v. Washington (The Boldt Decision), successfully affirming and defending the treaty fishing rights of the tribe and establishing a precedent for tribal self-governance. His dedication led him to work with Pueblo Legal Services in New Mexico and later as General Counsel for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, where he played a significant role inprotecting tribal sovereign rights and managing critical litigation concerning reservation lands.
Moving across the Cascades, he served as General Counsel for the Tulalip Tribes, where he spearheaded economic development initiatives, including the creation of Quil Ceda Village, a vibrant commercial center that serves the Tulalip community. Even after retiring from his role as a Tribal attorney, Michael continued to share his wisdom and experience as a Tribal Court and Appellate Court judge.
Throughout his career, Michael was a champion for tribal members, tirelessly working to empower them to take leadership roles in the legal field. His legacy includes mentoring many who now serve as attorneys for tribes across Indian Country. Among many awards he received, was the Goldmark Award in 1993, recognizing his exceptional leadership in the quest for equal justice in Washington State.
Michael E. Taylor was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose impact on the legal rights of Native American people and the strength of tribal governance will be felt for generations. He held a lifelong enthusiasm for stringed instruments, particularly the banjo, spent much of his time hiking through the mountains, rollerblading on freshly laid pavement, and diligently contributed to his much prized woodpile. The collections of bottles, stamps, license plates, coins, and mismatched gloves rescued from the side of the road give a glimpse into his quirky personality. He now rests peacefully alongside his life partner, Doris, knowing that together they made the world a better place through their love and dedication to others.