Melvin J. Tonkon

The Melvin J. Tonkon Scholarship for future doctors kickstarted the college career of my son, Ben Vogel, and helped him get through USC. After USC he worked for 2 years doing medical research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Next year he will enter medical school at a UCLA. I hope that he will have the same kind of impact as Dr. Tonkon and can pay forward the generosity of his family's scholarship. Thank you Edie and sons.

Mel was my `brother´ from across the sea. From the day we met in 1969, we were close. When he came to my home and stayed for two weeks, my mother treated him like a son, and when my wife and I went to America in 1975, his dear parents, welcomed us like long lost family. We flew out to Sacramento and spent two weeks with Mel, his wife Edie and baby Jayson, and had a great time. In 1987, we went to Jayson´s Barmitzvah in Newport Beach which was fantastic! In 1995, I flew to California on...

My ‘brother’ ! Memories in California in 1975, 1987, and 1995.
Memories in Philadelphia in 2004,
Memories in London on many occasions, but significantly In 1991.
I look at the photos and DVD’s, and am so glad that l still have them!
My family and l will never forget his warmth and generosity.
Peter Collins,
Londo,
England

Mel was my 'brother'.
From the first time we met in Mallorca in 1969,until his death in 2006. Even though I lived in London, England, we corresponded often.
When he came to London, after we had first met in Mallorca, he stayed in my home for two weeks, and my mother called him 'her third son'.
When my late wife Jo, and I, visited his dear parents Laura and Cy in 1975, it was like meeting our family, and they treated us like we were the Royal Family. Then, we flew out to...

Dr. Tonkon was the best doctor i have ever been to. He was always very attentive to my concerns and spent all the time I needed. I wish other doctors were so professional and personaly vested in your health as he was.

I will miss him trmendously.

I was so shocked to find out today that Dr. Mel had passed. I had no idea he was ill. It was clearly evident that he was a man who loved what he did and loved to teach and share. Dr. Mel was a real Mensch ! I will miss him along with the care he took of my heart. He and his Staff were immediately responsive to their patients. I hope all those he taught takes that one lesson with them. My heartfelt condolences to all his Family, Friends, Co-Workers and his Patients.

Mel was a special man. I will miss him deeply. He and my husband Bob were life long friends. Mel will always be alive in our hearts. We had so many happy times with Mel and Edie.
I feel so sad but so happy to have known Mel. Helene

Dr. Tonkon taught me so much during the 4 years I worked for him. He was a wonderful physician. Rest in peace Dr. T.

Dr. Mel Tonkon, my Doctor (both as a Cardiologist and Internist) and whom I also considered as a friend for the past 12 years, and for my wife Clory for the past 5 years. I feel blessed to have found him and known him. He was an unusually great man and his passing will be a big loss to all.

I saw him just three weeks before his death, I had no idea he was ill. He looked fine, big smile as usual, and warm conversation as well.

He always went above and beyond for me. ...