Obituaries
Ralph “Scotty” Melville
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
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Dear Daveena & Family,
Our sincerest sympathy to you.
Praying the Lord comforts your heart today and blesses your life with treasured memories of Ralph in the years to come.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your Neighbors,
Jerry & Linda
We are saddened by the death of Ralph and are happy to have known him. The Highland Games at Granfather Mountain were greatly enriched over the years by the wonderful music of Ralph and Roy!
Jim, John Marc, and Joe Thomas
Dear Family,
Ralph came into our lives at Grandfather Mountain almost 30 years ago. More Ralph and Roy stories than any evening could hold. We loved him dearly and will remember him always. He will live on in our hearts and souls. As we listen to the campfire tapes we will capture memories that were made so special by The Highlandairs. we can look up into the night sky and realize that Ralphs Star is out there, purchased lovingly by his MacRowdie friends. Knowing that his family, friends and Roy were close until his death was a comfort. Thank you so much for sharing him with us.
Jeannine and David MacDonald
Howell, Michigan
Dear Daveena and Family,
My heart sank when I heard that Ralph had passed away. Though I did not know Ralph as well as I would have liked, I always enjoyed his and Roy’s company wherever we crossed paths. He always greeted me warmly and as if we were the best of friends. Many is the night in many the campground that I enjoyed his music and humor into the wee hours. He will be truly missed.
My sincere condolences to you.
Rob Edwards
Ralph knew me since I could sit on his knee at Grandfather Mountain and he taught me to say "Round and round the rugged rock the ragged raskle ran." Of course you have to imagine this with a Scottish brogue. He said I was the reason for his knee pain. May God bless your family and bring comfort each day. Thank you for sharing Ralph with my family all these years.
I miss you Ralph.
Love,
Marjorie MacDonald Morris (formerly of Ligonier, Pennsylvania)
Dear Davina, it is with great sadness we heard today of the passing of Ralph. We will always remember Ralph, Roy and Alan singing together and the joy their music brought to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
God Bless You, George and Mary Mars.
Davenna and kids,
I just want to express my deepest sorrow about your husband and dad! From the days of being your babysitter to the days of passing your parents by in the community, Mr. Melville was a joy to be around. Being a Cassidy daughter, I thank him so much for the joy that he and Roy brought to my dad’s St.Patrick’s days at Cassidys’ tavern. Everytime I saw him, he would give me that slight grin and a tease in some way. What I wouldn’t give for one time time of that! Know that you are not alone in your sorrow!
Carol Freeman
I was very saddened when I got the message that Ralph has passed on.
I spent many pleasant hours with Ralph and his close friend Roy around the campfire at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
God bless Ralph and his family.
Phil Sexton
Ralph shared his humor, kindness, elegance & silliness with me since 1980. How blessed I was that we walked on each others path every so often. Ralph & Roy, music, a few friends from all over the states & Grandfather Mountain, a more joyful mix could not be found. Thank you for sharing him with us "Ralphs" Family.
Thank you Ralph, a brave gentleman to the end !
Garner NC
Dear Daveena and children,
I send my love and prayers for you all at this time, I know I haven’t seen you in a long time but will always cherish my memories of your Husband and Father at my parents place with his music that made my parents days. Daveena, may god help you thru this difficult time. Sincerely yours,
Candy (Faust)Arter and family.
Dear Daveena and Family,
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. The loss of a loved one is never easy.
My memories of Ralph were always funny memories as he played and tormented us with his great sense of humor when we were young. We all loved him dearly and he leaves behind fond memories of many good times. I can remember Ralph jumping in the pool at Shawntee Campground during summer vacations and playing with us like he was one of the kids. Or singing and playing the accordian beside the campfire and all those great British/American parties.
May you find comfort in knowing that he’s no longer suffering and in a much better place now.
Love and God Bless!
Lorna (Lannigan) Brown
Dear Daveena and family,
Please accept our condolences at the loss of Ralph. He was always a joy to be around and we know he will be missed.
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Betty and Vaughan Boultbee
The Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games Board of Directors of gatlinburg, Tennessee wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of this wonderful musician and lovely gentleman.
He and Roy’s act was one of the very first of our Games over twenty seven years ago, and came for many years until they quit traveling. Many of us have very fond memories of their great singing and stories.
We shall miss him but the music will live on in our hearts.
Sara F. Frazer, Secretary
4905 Petersburg Rd.
Knoxville, TN, 37921-3010
