Raymond Irvin Parnas

PARNAS, Raymond Irvin

Mar. 28, 1937 - Jan. 1, 2009

Raymond Parnas, son of Milton and Evelyn, died on January 1, 2009, after suffering a stroke three days earlier. Mr. Parnas, born in St. Louis, received his undergraduate and J.D. law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He received his Masters and S.J.D, the highest law degree awarded, from the University of Wisconsin. He spent over 30 years teaching law at U.C. Davis, with a focus on criminal procedure, juvenile justice and family law. He was very popular with his students, who often went on to become lifelong friends. Professor Parnas was considered to be an innovative teacher who often staged mock crimes in his classroom to foster discussion and divergent thinking. He co-authored the Determinate Sentencing Law which reformed the manner in which criminals were sentenced to prison. Professor Parnas also co-authored several law text books that continue to be used in law schools across the country today. Throughout his life Raymond's hobbies included gardening, playing cards with his friends and family, golfing, and reading. Mr. Parnas was an especially skilled rose gardener, maintaining over 80 bushes in his own yard, pruning roses at McKinley Park and having written and published articles on their care and variety. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, always putting family first. His love and caring for his family and friends had no boundaries. Raymond is predeceased by his beloved wife Sharon Epstein who passed away in June of 2008. Together they enjoyed peaceful visits to their Cabin near Lake Tahoe, traveling all over the world, and most of all, having their extended family around them, especially for Thanksgiving and Passover. They were active members of Mosaic Law Congregation, contributing countless hours to the synagogue's gift shop. After Sharon's death, Raymond was instrumental in recruiting greater support for the daily synagogue prayers.

He is survived by his two sons Andrew and Daniel, grandchildren Lindsey and Ryan, his brother Neal and wife Raquel, his stepsons Sheldon (Lisa), Daniel and Norman (Karen) and their children Samantha, Leo and Sam.

Services will be held on Monday, January 5, at 1:00 p.m. at Home of Peace Cemetery Chapel, 6200 Stockton Boulevard (corner of El Parisio and Stockton), Sacramento CA 95824. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacramento Rose Society and/or Murray Bachman Minyan Fund at Mosaic Law Congregation.