Richard F. Desmond

DESMOND, Richard F.
Passed away June 16, 2004, at his home in Carmichael. Mr. Desmond is survived by his beloved wife, Doris; nine adoring children, Ann, Daniel, Meg, Janie, John, Peter, Madeline, Tess, and Richard Jr.; twenty-one grandchildren, Christopher, Jessica, Madeline, Cameron, Carolyn, Adam, Megan, Emily, Daniel, Jr., Kayla, Hope, Stephen, Katie, Peter, Ryan, Garrett, Michael, Tessie, Kaylee, Adam and Alexandria; and siblings Louis Desmond, Mary Mastalski, and Denise Franzoia. Mr. Desmond was born November 13, 1923, in Sacramento to the late Senator Earl and Mrs. Edna Desmond. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Clare Lagomarsino, Michael and Buddy. Mr. Desmond spent most of his youth working on the family's ranch north of Galt. After graduating from Christian Brothers High School and Saint Mary's College, Mr. Desmond was drafted by the United States Army during World War II. He served as an Army journalist in Japan during the post-war reconstruction. After the war, he returned stateside and attended law school at the University of San Francisco. There he met the love of his life and future wife of 54 years, Doris. After law school, Mr. Desmond served another stint in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General Corps during the Korean War. In 1953, Mr. Desmond joined Desmond, Miller & Desmond, the Sacramento law firm founded by his father in 1938. He remained active in private law practice until his death. One of Californias pre-eminent condemnation attorneys, Mr. Desmond spent nearly fifty years defending the rights of private property owners. He recently won hard-fought victories for hundreds of flood victims in Rio Linda, Strawberry Manor, Linda, and Olivehurst after their homes and businesses were destroyed by the floods of 1986. In 2000, Mr. Desmond participated in the People to People Ambassador Programs American Lawyers and Judges Delegation to South Africa to advise representatives of that country's bench and bar on constitutional and human rights issues. Mr. Desmond was an active member of the Christian Brothers alumni Brotherhood group and the Grandfathers Club. He was also a past exalted ruler of the Sacramento Elks and a longtime Jesuit Booster. Mr. Desmond enjoyed a rich life outside of his law practice as a farmer, world traveler, armchair historian, and model railroader. His favorite roles, however, were as adoring Poppy to his twenty-one grandchildren and beloved patriarch of his family. We will miss his integrity, honesty, generosity, and even his stubbornness. Most of all we will miss tractor rides, fresh fruits and vegetables, his Christmas poem and the Candle Story. He left an impression on everyone who met him and was loved more than he ever knew. A funeral mass and celebration of Mr. Desmond's life will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2004, at 12:00 PM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 5055 Cottage Way in Carmichael. A rosary service will be held at the same location on Friday, June 18, at 7:00 PM. Donations may be made in Mr. Desmond's name to the Christian Brothers High School Desmond Family Scholarship or Jesuit High School Capital Campaign.