Norman Gregory Taylor

California lost one of its foremost legal minds and environmental stewards with the passing of Norman Gregory Taylor. Known to all as Greg Taylor, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was also a towering and pioneering figure in the legal community who helped protect state lands and tidelands across California and who played a leading role in creating the last large reservoir constructed in Southern California, Diamond Valley Lake.

Greg was born in 1935 in Tempe, Arizona, and was the eldest of four sons of Rosalind (Gregory) and Norman Taylor, a Methodist minister who had graduated from Yale Divinity School and the University of Redlands. The family moved to Culver City, near Los Angeles in 1941. Greg spent most of his life in the Los Angeles area and was educated in Los Angeles public schools, starting from elementary school through high school- Hamilton High School before graduating from South Gate High School in 1953.

After high school, Greg earned a scholarship to attend the University of Southern California (USC). Greg was active in all aspects of university life and ran for Student Body President as an independent candidate in his senior year, narrowly losing. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, as well as other honorary academic societies.

Following graduation from USC, Greg went to New York University Law School, entering as a prestigious Root-Tilden Scholar and earning honors as National Moot Court champion.

Immediately upon completion of his law degree, Greg began his public service in boot camp in the US Army Reserves.

As soon as his training ended in 1960, he went to Florida to marry Nancy Roberts, who he had met while at NYU. Nancy became his wife and lifelong companion. After their wedding, Greg and Nancy drove across the US to begin their life together in Southern California.

Greg and Nancy started their family in South Gate where their first two children were born, Lorraine (Lorri) and Paul. In 1967 they moved to Porter Ranch and welcomed their third child, Linda. They lived in Porter Ranch the remainder of their lives and hosted countless extended family gatherings at their home.

After passing the California State Bar Exam in 1961, Greg began a long career with the State of California in the Attorney General’s office. He served as an Assistant Attorney General, and the Chief of the elite Land Law Section for nearly two decades. He represented California in several landmark cases, including United States v. California before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Mansell and Marks cases in California’s Supreme Court. During his time in the Department of Justice, Greg also served as a Captain in the US Army Reserve JAG Corps, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.

Following his career with the California Department of Justice, Greg began his second career in 1991 at The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) as Special Assistant to the General Manager and became General Counsel of The Metropolitan Water District in 1993. Greg played a critical role in the completion of Diamond Valley Lake and the development of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, negotiating and resolving complex legal and environmental issues. Diamond Valley Lake is an essential part for Southern California’s water reliability.

Greg’s spirit of integrity impacted every aspect of his work and life. Thorough and thoughtful in everything he did, he inspired those around him with his generous spirit and challenged all to be better and do better. His work ethic and deep belief in public service challenged him to continue to find ways to contribute to the public good. Greg’s third and final career was serving as an Administrative Law Judge for the LA Superior Court, hearing cases, and writing decisions.

In addition to his professional life, Greg was a life-long environmentalist, a lover of nature who enjoyed camping and hiking in the Sierras so much that he summitted Mt. Whiney multiple times. He was a dedicated father and was always there for his children. Greg was also a leader and active member of his church and community.

Greg died in the very early morning on March 25, 2023, at his home with his caregiver and Nancy at his side.

Greg was preceded in death by his brothers James O. Taylor and C. Richard Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Paul, daughter, Lorri (Taylor) Palinkas, daughter Linda, and Grandchildren, Taylor, John and Alana Palinkas, Maria Fernanda (Mafe) Taylor, his brother, John H., and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by his family, community and all who are fortunate enough to have known him and been influenced by his service and dedication.