Kenneth Tanner, the longtime chief of the Coquille Tribe of Oregon, died on Saturday. He was 88.

Tanner helped lead the tribe during its quest for federal recognition. The tribe is about to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the law that restored its status.

“Our tribal nation lost a great spiritual and cultural leader – a person we have all come to rely on for his calm and assured guidance in even the most difficult of times,” Chair Brenda Meade said. “He is the one we would turn to on a day like today for words of wisdom and comfort to see us through our distress. His absence is already deeply felt by every member and friend of the Coquille Tribe."

Services for Tanner are pending.

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Kenneth Tanner, tribal chief of Coquille Indian Tribe, dies (The Coos Bay World 5/26)