Banker and stalwart of the Oban RNLI lifeboat
Born: November 12, 1932;
Died: November 23, 2017.
WILLIE Melville, who has died aged 85, was a well-known retired Oban banker who was also
a stalwart of the town's RNLI lifeboat.
Born a “Bathgate Bairn”, the son of Jimmy and Jenny Melville, he was educated at Bathgate Academy before joining the National Bank at the age of 17. Shortly thereafter he was signed up for national service with the RAF, spending most of his time at Lossiemouth - military training which was to be put to good use many years later when he drilled his fellow lifeboat crew in marching, in preparation for carrying the RNLI colours at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Following his national service, he re-joined the bank, which later became part of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He served in bank management posts in many parts of the country including Helensburgh, Mallaig and Maybole, but always fought to return to his favourite, Oban. In those days, when a bank manager had real decision-making authority, Willie Melville’s good judgement was the catalyst for starting several successful Oban businesses.
Heart problems in his mid-fifties meant an early retirement from the bank, but absolutely not a slowing down of his many community involvements. Following successful heart surgery, he and a small group of medical professionals and friends set up a local charity, which they named ABCD (Argyll Beats Cardiovascular Disease). The aim was to provide support for new medical initiatives to improve cardiac care and the training of health professionals.
He served as treasurer of ABCD from its inception until he had to give up because of failing health earlier this year. During his time in office he oversaw the raising of around £250,000, and the support of well over 100 projects.
His 50 years of service to the Lifeboat Institution began as a crew member of Helensburgh inshore lifeboat in the 1960s. Following a move to Oban he was soon a member of the committee formed to lobby the RNLI for a lifeboat to be stationed in Oban. As a result of these efforts, in May 1972, an inshore MacLaclan class lifeboat was placed on service in Oban. Given his previous experience Willie became an immediate and “enthusiastic” crew member.
Over the years he served in almost every capacity possible and after retiring from the crew, frequently travelled Scotland and Ireland with the RNLI Sea Safety road show, advising on all aspects of marine safety. Perhaps his single outstanding achievement was the researching and writing of his book The Story of Oban Lifeboat. The book went on to become a local best seller, and raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI.
He was recently awarded an inscribed statuette for his work, and earlier this year a framed citation in recognition of his 50 years of service to the RNLI.
In so many ways his sheer enthusiasm for life drew him into the community and gathered friends around him. He was a keen member of the Speakers Club. He loved sailing, both as secretary of the Royal Highland Yacht Club for many years, and with his own friends and family. A lover of all things outdoors, he was a keen gardener and birdwatcher. He had been a member of Kilmore and Oban Church of Scotland since 1966.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret, sons Donald and Robin, four grandchildren Jamie, Catriona, Jordan and Bethany, and great grandchildren Hunter and Levi.
MIKE ROBERTSON
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