Senate Resolution Honors Carl Maxey

Thu., March 5, 1998

Spokane attorney Carl Maxey was honored by the state Senate on Wednesday as “a giant in civil rights” and a man of “great character, compassion and intelligence.”

The Senate adopted a resolution to formally recognize Maxey, who committed suicide last July 17, as someone who “symbolized the pursuit of justice and human rights for all people.”

“He really embodied what’s great about this country,” said Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, who sponsored the resolution. “He had an enormous impact on Spokane and the state.”

Maxey rose from a troubled childhood to represent poor defendants for $10 a day after graduating from Gonzaga Law School in 1951. In the 1960s, he joined the civil rights fight in Mississippi and later was instrumental in abolishing state laws that allowed bars, taverns and social clubs to refuse to serve blacks.

A one-time boxer, “he was a tireless fighter,” said Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma. “When you were in his presence, you could feel his energy.”

Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Seattle, said Maxey fought so fiercely for the underdog that he was often despised by others.

“I think sometimes it’s an honor to be known by the enemies you’ve made, and he rose very high in this regard,” she said.

Sen. Eugene Prince, R-Thornton, said Maxey gave people hope - something “we can all be proud of.”

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