It is with sadness we announce the passing of Kenneth "Ken" Lloyd Melanson, 81, of River Philip, N.S. on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. Born in Springhill, N.S., he was a son of the late Clarence and Jessie (Anderson) Melanson. He was a coal miner all his working life. He will be sadly missed by his wife Jean; son David Melanson; step-children, Betty Weatherbee (Tim), Doug Spencer (Lynette), and Cathy Canning (Paul); step granddaughter Olivia Canning; step great grandson Hudson Canning; brother Douglas; also survived by special nephews, Terry Beaton (Lesa Rushton) and Jack Beaton (Crystal). He was predeceased by son Hugh, sisters Dorothy and Barbara and brothers Donald and Keith. Arrangements have been entrusted to W. Allen Funeral Home, 60 Water St., Oxford, NS, (902-447-2167). A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 2 p.m., from Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, N.S. Donations in memory of Kenneth may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Kenneth's online memorial at www.allenfuneralhome.ca or through the W. Allen Funeral Home Facebook Page.