Dr. Melvin J. Tonkon

TONKON, Dr. Melvin J. Of Laguna Beach, a world-renowned cardiologist and lecturer who spearheaded groundbreaking research on heart disease and other illnesses, has died. He was 60. Dr. Tonkon died Aug. 3 of complications related to lung cancer, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles, his family said. "He was a real force and asset to the field of cardiology," said Dr. Mark Miller, who shared an Anaheim-based practice with Tonkon for 22 years. "Mel Tonkon was a gentleman who changed many, many lives around the world for the better, including mine." His more than 400 research studies led to the development and approval of medications to treat hypertension, coronary disease and heart failure. Additionally, Dr. Tonkon wrote hundreds of articles, abstracts and several books in the field of cardiovascular disease. He spoke on medical topics in China, Australia and Europe, he said. He also shared his love of the medical field with dozens of interns who worked in his medical office, many of whom went on to medical careers of their own. When not consumed by his medical work, Dr. Tonkon enjoyed an active life. He was an avid scuba diver and enjoyed fast cars, fine wines, running, hiking, the Angels and travel, said Edie Tonkon, his wife of 36 years. He also was active in his synagogue, Chabad of Laguna. "He worked every day of his life at an intense level," she said. "Everything he did he gave 100 percent - to his family, his friends, his patients, his research and his fun." While maintaining a private practice, in 2000 Dr. Tonkon established the Apex Research Institute, in Santa Ana, where he supervised studies of many diseases and drugs for pharmaceutical companies. Most recently, Dr. Tonkon and his associates completed a study of a new drug, Chantix, a smoking-cessation drug for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, said Cathy Fox, his chief associate for 25 years. Dr. Tonkon, who quit smoking 26 years ago, was passionate about helping others to stop smoking, Fox said. He kept a blackened jar of the remains of his last pack of cigarettes on a shelf in his office "as motivation for himself as well as his patients," she said. Dr. Tonkon "was an extraordinary physician and advocate for his patients. We enjoyed his wisdom, good spirit and profound dedication helping people stop smoking," said Barbara M. Bonham, a Pfizer spokeswoman for the study. "The work he did helped get Chantix approved (by the Federal Drug Administration.) We know that his work in smoking cessation will be part of his legacy." His legacy in Orange County includes two decades as a volunteer with the Orange County Chapter of the American Heart Association. Dr. Tonkon served two terms as president and volunteered for numerous committees, said Shelley Profenius, the chapter's executive director. "Not only was he a wonderful cardiologist he was very giving and truly dedicated to his work," she said. "It was a privilege to have known him." Dr. Tonkon also served on the board of several hospitals and organizations, including the Board of Trustees at Drexel University College of Medicine. He was a clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Tonkon graduated from Franklin & Marshall College, in 1967. He received his medical degree in 1971 from Hahnemann Medical College. He did his residency at University of California, Irvine and went on to complete a fellowship in cardiology at the University of California, Davis. He relocated to Anaheim in 1976 and established his medical practice. Besides his wife, Dr. Tonkon is survived by two sons; Jayson Marc Tonkon (Andrea Koplove) and one-month-old grandson, Sam, of Santa Monica; and Neil Michael Tonkon, of Laguna Beach. He also leaves his mother, Laura Tonkon, of Laguna Woods; a sister, Donna Punim (Jeff) and two nieces, Melissa and Amanda, of Long Beach; and a brother, Barry Tonkon (Patty) and nephew, Paul, of Smyrna, Delaware. Graveside services were held on Monday, August 7, at Pacific View Memorial Park, in Corona Del Mar. Dr. Tonkon's family suggests that mem91010