Ralph Skeen Melville died peacefully at home on August 24, 2008 at the age of 82. He was born in Clydebank, Scotland, the youngest child of the late Ralph and Mary Melville.

He served in the British Army as part of the Gordon Highlander regiment during the Second World War.  In 1961, Ralph began his life in the United States in Wilkes-Barre, PA then moved to Lancaster in 1964 where he worked for Armstrong World Industries until his retirement in 1990.

He was the devoted husband of Daveena Ironside Melville, with whom he shared over 54 years together. He is also survived by his children: David (husband of Andrea Cousineau) of Lititz, Ann (wife of Edward Conway) of Landisville, and Scott of Lancaster; grandchildren Toria Melville, and Grant and Ross Conway. Ralph will also be lovingly missed by his wife's sisters, Jess Watt of Glasgow, Scotland and Betty Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona and their families as well as extended family in England, Scotland, and South Africa. His siblings David Melville and Margaret Fullwood preceded him in death.

He was of the Methodist faith and used his God given talent of music to the utmost.  Along with his best friend, Roy Munro, he performed Scottish Folk music as part of the Highlandaires for over 4 decades.  Their blending of music and humor was well received at Scottish Festivals, concerts, and parties. In early performances, they were sometimes joined by a drummer, the late Alan Orr. Ralph & Roy left an impression wherever their love of Scottish music took them, including local Veterans Hospitals, Grandfather Mountain, NC, British Embassies in D.C. as well as the Kennedy Center.

He was also an avid soccer fan all of his life, playing well into his 40's and coaching youth soccer in the 1980's. The family would like to thank all of the medical professionals involved in the treatment of his cancer of the bladder.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 29, 2008 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 at 2 p.m. Visitors will be received at the Funeral Home 1 hour before the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, in recognition of the compassionate care they provided and may be sent to: P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com