Louis Simon Haffner, 79, of Oxnard Shores, California, passed away on January 10, 2019 in Ventura, California. Louis was born in The Bronx, New York to Morris and Gussie Haffner on July 5, 1939. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science in 1957, then graduated from City College of New York, and then went on to earn a JD degree from New York University in 1970. He worked as a Deputy Public Defender in Ventura, California from 1973 to 1984. He then became Public Defender of Yolo County from 1984 to 1995 and then Sonoma County Public Defender from 1995 until 2005. Louis also taught at Ventura College of Law, was an adjunct professor in trial practice at U.C. Davis, and taught evidence at Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa. He was also Past President of the California Public Defenders Association and also Sonoma County Bar Association. Louis loved reading and seeing operas and plays, and especially enjoyed going to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon with Melinda.
Louis is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Melinda Haffner of Oxnard Shores, son Alan Haffner (Lori) of Montara, California, son Matthew Haffner (Mary) of Ventura, and a daughter. Louis is also survived by five grandchildren, Aaron and Gabe Haffner of Montara and Gavin, Clare, and Henry Haffner of Ventura. Louis is also survived by his brother Arthur Haffner (Marilyn) of Manchester, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant Street, Ojai, CA 93023, or Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, 705 E. Santa Barbara Street, Santa Paula, 93060.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the kind and patient caregivers at Navita Residences Ventura and also to Donna Diaz and Bria Gladney whose loving care will always be appreciated and never forgotten.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura.