Bernie Gobin, a longtime leader of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, died on Monday. He was 79.

Gobin spent 26 years on the tribal board of directors. He played a key role in protecting tribal fishing rights, expanding the tribe's economy and preserving tribal arts.

"Everything he was involved with was an expression of how passionately he felt about his people," his son, Steve Gobin, told The Seattle Times.

Gobin testified in the landmark Boldt fishing rights case and was one of the original members of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission that was formed to implement the decision. But he also encouraged the tribe to pursue opportunities beyond commercial fishing and supported the development of a key piece of reservation real estate.

Gobin later spent most of his time at the tribe's art studio. He was a master carver.

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Bernie Gobin, a proud leader of Tulalip Tribes (The Seattle Times 5/7)