Melvin Trujillo

Melvin Sanchez Trujillo, 77, died on Friday, April 13, 2007 after a brief battle with cancer. Mel was born in Hope, New Mexico on April 6, 1930 to the late Celso and Victoria Sanchez Trujillo. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1947 and retired after 20 years in December, 1967. After retiring from the Navy, he pursued his education. He graduated from San Diego State University with honors in 1972 and moved to Davis to attend law school. Mel graduated from UCD School of Law in 1975. His long legal career included working for the State Assembly Judiciary Committee, being Legal Counsel to the State Traffic Adjudication Board, managing a Legal Aid office in Sacramento and more than 20 years as an Administrative Law Judge with the California State Department of Social Services. Mel was very active in the Davis community and in local politics. He was active in the Equal Rights movement and was a strong voice for minorities. He was a board member of Concilio of Yolo County for more than 10 years and a founder of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and Awards dinner. Mel spent many years helping to coach soccer, Little League and Pop Warner football when his sons were young. He was always willing to provide pro bono legal help for both friends and strangers. Mel is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce; sons: Sean and Liam Trujillo, grandsons Isaac Trujillo and Christopher Crawford; brothers: J.N. Trujillo and wife Belen of Albuquerque, NM and Orlando Trujillo of Artesia, NM; sister, Betty Roberts and husband Gerry of Chattanooga, TN and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mels life will be held at St. James Church, 1275 B St. in Davis on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

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