Demapan recalled Taylor as an easy going man with humble manners.
“He was one of a kind —everyone had the highest respect for him,” Demapan said.
Demapan remembers Taylor as a “big guy with a soft heart” who was always eager to help and teach those who were new or just entering the practice of law.
“Marty participated in a number of Supreme Court decisions that improved the legal system of the CNMI. He didn’t sit by and passively watch our commonwealth take shape and evolve into the just and progressive society we have become, but led the way by tackling tough issues as privacy and civil rights,” he said.
Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo recalled Taylor’s sense of humor even in his sick bed.
Govendo said he and Taylor shared “so many times together — both good and bad” since they opened a law firm several decades ago.
The memorial service was also attended by lawmakers, mayors, former and current justices and judges as well as judicial branch employees of the CNMI.
Dignitaries from other Micronesian islands were also present — Superior Court of Guam Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III, Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert J. Torres and Supreme Court of Palau Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong.
Taylor passed away in California at about 2 p.m. on Feb. 17. He was 71.
He became CNMI chief justice on Sept. 22, 1995 and retired on Dec. 5, 1998 after 23 years of judicial service in the Northern Marianas.
Taylor left behind his wife Celina DLG. Diaz and six children — Randy, Scott, Anthony, Theresa, Evelyn and Carla. Shannon, the eldest, passed away several years ago.
