Melvin Lavayd Cook

Melvin L. Cook, RN, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the age of 72. He was born on August 7, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas. He came to the High Desert in 1983 where he was stationed at Fort Irwin National Training Center at Weed Army Hospital in the emergency room. Trauma nursing was always his choice of nursing and in 1988 he challenged the RN board becoming a Registered Nurse. After returning from duty in Korea he started his career at St Mary’s Medical Center in the Emergency Room. He broadened his ER career at SMMC to include management, education and informatics.

Melvin’s life was a testament to his commitment to education and he successfully encouraged many to nursing and healthcare careers. Many have over the years thanked him for his method of teaching Basic Dysrhythmia so they could pass their exams.

His interest and hobbies showed his broad interests. Due to his fascination of the deep ocean, he earned his scuba diving license during his duty in Hawaii. Here in the High Desert, he earned a Black Belt in Wing Chun, the Bruce Lee Technique under Shifu, Sam Mateo. Melvin loved spending time with family and taking his daughters to theme parks; Sea World and Universal Studios were his favorites. His most recent and treasured memory was a road trip with his daughters to Paso Robles, CA for the Sensorio, Field of Lights Show and to Morro Bay to see the massive ancient volcanic Morro Rock.

The family wishes to thank the knowledgeable and caring health professionals at the many different hospitals that contributed to the excellent, respectful and compassionate care he received for many years. In addition, special appreciation to Miryam Avraham, his home health wound care nurse for many years. Also, many thanks to his friend, Malinda Camarillo, retired secretary of the Clinical Education Department for contacting his many friends at SMMC.

Melvin was born August 7, 1951 to Clarenzio A. Cook and Mary Ellen Evans-Cook in Wichita Kansas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Barbara C. Cook and his precious daughters, Angela C. Cook and Breanna E. Cook. He is also survived by his younger sister Claudette Cook, nephew, Casey Cook, niece Makia Cook, cousin Melva Hughes and many relatives in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

A small private family memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on August 7th on his birthday. In lieu of flowers, Melvin and family request donations to his favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.