Melvin was born on April 20, 1957, in Oxnard, California. He grew up in Ventura County, where he was known in elementary school as "the kid who always knew all the answers but never raised his hand." Following graduation from Oxnard High School in 1975, he began an early career as a sheet metal machinist, working at Lockheed and other companies in aircraft fabrication in the Los Angeles area. While living in Southern California, Melvin enjoyed fishing with friends and spending time with his canine companion, Bear.

During the late 1980s, Melvin changed careers, enrolling at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and receiving a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1993. He next moved to New York City and enrolled in the International Studies program at Columbia University, graduating with his Master's degree in 1995.

For fifteen years, until June, 2010, Melvin worked as a consultant for System Planning Corporation in the Washington, D.C., area, contributing to government-related projects on national security. During this time, he developed a passion for golf and spent his leisure time on weekends out on the links with friends.

After residing for many years in Arlington, Virginia, within an hour's drive of his sister and her family, Melvin moved in August, 2010, to Bellevue, Washington, to be closer to his brother and his brother's family, and parents, who concurrently relocated from California to be with Melvin during the final months of his life.

Surrounded by family members, Melvin passed away on November 20, 2010, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, having been admitted a few days prior with complications of his late-stage kidney cancer.

During his 53 years, Melvin lived a quiet life in a modest way. He touched all of us deeply, teaching us how to be grateful without having to say "thank you." Through his last breath, he expressed his sincere love for us all--without having to say "I love you." We all miss you, Mel.

Melvin is survived by his parents, Yoshitaka and Mary Sakazaki; sister, Denise Grove, and her children, Dustin and Davis; brother, Lloyd Sakazaki, sister-in-law, Naoko, and their children, Brody and Trey; and many friends.


Memorial cards may be sent to Melvin's parents at: Yoshitaka and Mary Sakazaki, 10270 NE 12th St., #F301, Bellevue, WA 98004.