Mel (as his friends and family knew him) held a vast list of accomplishments, but the greatest joy in his life was being the father to his three daughters, Isabella, Gabriella and Madeline. He is also survived by his loving fiancé Lavinia Terra of Clovis, his parents Melvin and Janice Helm, his sister Tracy Bratton, his niece and nephew Taylor and Travis Lindenmuth, all of Caruthers.
Mel attended Caruthers schools where he is remembered by his classmates for his quiet humor as well as his amazing Elvis impersonations at the talent show each year.
In High School, Mel was a friend to all. He was an active trumpet player in the band, involved in many school clubs and was captain of the varsity tennis team.
After graduating from Fresno State University, Mel went on to earn his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. While in Mexico, he taught himself Spanish in less than a year and graduated at the top of his class.
Mel was a Board-Certified Neurologist who trained at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. After finishing Medical School, he returned to his Central Valley roots where he opened the California Headache & Balance Center in Fresno. Mel’s medical practice is the only clinic in central California that specializes in difficult headache problems as well as conditions related to dizziness and imbalance. He was a well-respected doctor of neurology and will be greatly missed by his many patients as well as the Central Valley medical community.
Mel was also a member of the Advisory Board for the College of Science and Mathematics at Fresno State University.
Mel had a lifelong interest in astronomy and astrophotography. In 2007 he co-founded and served as co-president of Sierra Remote Observatories (SRO), a large group of astronomical observatories located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mel’s passions for space as well as the ocean began as a child. He was a Certified Dive Master, Master Scuba Diver, Self-Reliant Diver, and Enriched Air Diver.
A memorial celebration of Melvin’s life will be held at New Covenant Community Church on Saturday, January 8th at 1:00 pm. The church is located at 1744 E. Nees Ave. in Fresno.
