Graham Cochrane Val Parnell

Graham Cochrane Val Parnell
April 8, 1945 - September 13, 2022
Graham Cochrane Val Parnell was Called Home by Our Lord September 13, 2022 with his son Valentine Parnell and Valentine's mother Pascaline Parnell by his side. He crossed over Peacefully and painlessly at home. Graham was born in Manchester, England April 8, 1945. He had a long and "entertainment rich" childhood growing up with his father, Val Parnell, famous for "Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the Palladium " weekly television show and TV Impresario while Graham's Mother, Aileen Cochrane Parnell, was a well-known Television & stage singer and actress in England.
Graham attended Cranleigh Boarding school in Surrey, England which he loved and was a standout boxer, footballer (soccer in America) and rugby player until leaving for college in the US where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. He played Soccer and Rugby for University of Pennsylvania and enjoyed a lifelong love for Soccer, Rugby, Football, Golf and Sports in general. He was a natural and gifted athlete. He also loved to sail, heritage from his Scottish ancestor Admiral Cochrane. His son Valentine also inherited this same love of the sea.
Graham had a successful career as a financial consultant for McDonald's followed by Pizza Hut. Graham met his wife Pascaline in Barbados and they moved to England where they were married shortly after. Graham took on the job of successfully managing and innovating systems for 55 Pizza Huts for all of England. Their only child together, Valentine Parnell, was born a year later.
Graham moved to Santa Rosa to be with his son Valentine after he and Pascaline divorced. He decided to change careers completely and pursue his great passion for wine which he acquired from both his parents and therefore attended UC Davis receiving a Master's degree in Viniculture.
He taught Viniculture at the Santa Rosa Junior College for almost a decade and also was an assistant coach for the Santa Rosa Junior College Rugby Team as well as coaching his son Val. Graham held the position of Chief Editor for "Vineyard & Winery Management " magazine for many years.
Graham also earned the prestigious Master of Wine accreditation and was asked to judge wine all over California. He spent over 30 years in Sonoma County working in the wine industry at all levels and made gold and double gold award winning wines in his later years. He brought his love and passion for wine in his distinctive British accent and made many friends along the way. He loved being with his friends and family whether it was barbecuing outside or watching sporting events with the lads. He looked forward to the family holiday celebrations especially the last years of his life helping plan the menus with utmost interest! He was intelligent, caring kind, compassionate and so Loving. He also possessed an Amazing Never Failing Stupendous sense of humor and wicked wit which never failed him even throughout his very serious illnesses. And as ill as he was, he was constantly making us all Laugh! He valiantly fought through 3 major strokes and 3 bouts of cancer. He was an Incredible Fighter. And he inspired others around him. And he was such a Loving Father to his Son Val. We know he is in a better place, and he is reunited with his loved ones who have already crossed over. He is always with us, and we will hold Graham in our Hearts Forever.
We thank all of Graham's Caregivers and St. Joseph's Hospice for their loving care.
We hope when you think of Graham it brings a smile to your face when you remember his wit and wine.