My sympathies to Joe's family. He was an energetic scientist. My students caught his infectious enthusiasm when he gave a guest lecture to my LCC class. Thank you Joe. You will be missed. Mindy Wilson (LCC Molecular Biotechnology)

I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr Melvin.  I worked with Joe in the mid-1990's as a young pathologist just out of training.  He took me under his wing and generously shared with me his broad expertise and enthusiasm for blood banking and coagulation.  His teaching encouraged me to become board certified in Blood banking/transfusion medicine, and I now am medical director of blood collection center and transfusion service as a result.  Joe was my teacher, mentor and friend. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Dr. Melvin’s family, and friends at Sparrow Hospital.  Dr. Melvin inspired so many of us to reach for our dreams, and encouraged us to smile along the way.
I will never forget the night that he asked for volunteers to help him pass his night time flying/landing maneuvers.  He needed a certain amount of “weight” (the combined weight of a certain number of people) in the plane to help him achieve his mission.   Three of us volunteered (Faisal, Dennis and me).  It was an absolutely gorgeous trip over to Lake Michigan and back, and fun!  Then, on our way back to Lansing, he asked us if we would like to experience a few “G Forces”.  Naturally, we all said with great enthusiasm--YES!  Oh my…I did not know what a “G Force” was, until that evening, when we landed… and I could not walk.
Oh my friend, what wonderful memories.   I will miss you.

Debbie

I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  I knew him from an Historical Geology class at LCC that we were in together during the spring of 2007.  Joe, another older student, and I would usually get to the 8:00 class early and, all being in our late 50s or early 60s, would joke about the high average age in the class, before the traditional students started filing in later.  I'll never forget the wonderful presentation Joe made to the entire class about his interest in paleopathology.  He discussed a case of 2 ancient fossils of a large fish and a smaller one that had been swallowed whole and was found intact inside of it.  Joe described how the smaller fish's fin might have punctured a major artery of the larger fish, allowing both to be fossilized together.  It was awesome!

I lost my only son 2 years ago, so I think I can imagine the pain, grief, and devastation that you are feeling.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Camburn
jimcamburn@voyager.net

My condolences to the loved ones of Joe Melvin.  I am acquainted with Laina through my mother-in-law, Ann Brooks.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Joseph Melvin. Even though my employment at Sparrow was not long I enjoyed many conversations with Dr. Melvin while working in Blood Bank. He was a very approachable person and was always willing to share his technical expertise. He will be missed.

I was so very sorry to hear of the death of Dr. Melvin.  I began working at Sparrow one year after he did and always had the utmost respect for him as a person and as a professional.  He will be greatly missed.

Dr. Joe Melvin was my mentor and friend. He inspired me professionally, always the brilliant teacher, guiding all of his lab associates to be their best. God has blessed me by putting Joe Melvin in my life and I will miss him daily. My sympathies to Laina, Alyssa,John and TJ. May God keep him in your hearts forever.

Dr Melvin will be missed by Many. I will miss his Smile as passing in the hallway. I didn't work directly with him but I worked in the Lab. Excluding this last year.. but the last 15 years. Very pleasant. My sympathies and Prayers to the family.

Uncle Joe had a gift for being hilariously funny and understated at the same time.  We were truly blessed to have him in our lives and will miss his presence greatly.  Love and prayers of support from Andy, Carmen, and Ethan Boy

I had the honor to not only work with Dr. Melvin in the Lab at Sparrow - but when I transferred to Pediatric Oncology - I got to see him  whenever our patients needed blood tranfusions. I'll always remember how he would  pop into our office and brag about his grandson. His face would light up and he'd grin from ear to ear  whenever he talked about him!  He had such a great laugh too. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed!

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Melvin's passing.  He worked very closely with us at Michigan State University and that is where I had the privilege of meeting him and knowing his congenial and affable personality - he will be missed. Deepest sympathy to all of your family!

It will be so sad Not to see Dr. Melvin each morning in the Sparrow Blood Bank . I will certainly miss him and wish his family the best in this very hard time. I have know Dr. Melvin for 30years ! He was a Fine Human Being !
Sincerely,
Roger Young

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the Family for your loss, he will be missed.

Butch Sweet & Sparrow Hospital Cafeteria Staff.

My thought's and prayer's go out to the family, Dr. Melvin was a great man and he was all way's a great man to talk to. I will miss his freindship and his smile. James e smith jr.( courier department )

Our family is sending are thoughts and prayers to each one of you.  We truly want to express our deepest sympathy in your loss.  -  Pat, Tara, Hailey & Conner Meador (Louisville, Ky)

Sparrow Health System was one of the best in large part due to contributions of the brilliant Dr. Melvin.  I was always in awe whenever I was privileged enough to hear him speak.  He will be greatly missed.  My sympathies to his family.

Joe is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father.  We will never forget his smile and the twinkle in his eyes.  He loved to laugh.  He married his soul mate, Laina.  God allow you to share a special anniversary trip this summer to Germany.  May those memories warm your heart at this difficult time.  Our love to Alyssa, John and TJ.  Joe was a dedicated brother to his sister, Connie.  May God comfort all of you during the days ahead.  Love from Kentucky, Gwen and Louise Heil.

My sympathies to the entire Melvin family. Dr. Melvin was a brilliant clinician and I was honored to have worked with him. Our lab will not be same without him.

To the family of Dr Melvin- Thank you for allowing me to care for your loved one at Hospice House- It was a pleasure and honor to assist him in his journey. Thinking of you in the days ahead- Kimberly Frayer, RN

OBITUARY

Joseph R. Melvin Jr., PhD

November 10, 1947 – December 18, 2010

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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