Veterans SA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor of South Australia and inaugural Chair of South Australia’s Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC), Sir Eric James Neal, AC, CVO, KStJ, FTSE.
Sir Eric was a prominent figure and passionate advocate for the veteran community in South Australia, having held the role of VAC Chair from 2008 to 2016.
Born in London on 3 June 1924, Eric James Neal migrated to Adelaide in 1927 where he attended Largs Bay and Hindmarsh public schools, Thebarton Technical School and the South Australian School of Mines.
He married Thelma Joan Bowden, a fifth generation South Australian in 1950.
A trained engineer and successful businessman, Sir Eric was CEO of Boral for 14 years and was a Director of BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil, John Fairfax Holdings and AMP. He was also chairperson of Westpac and Atlas Copco.
His many other appointments included National Chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Chair of the Order of Australia, Chief Commissioner of the City of Sydney and Chancellor of Flinders University.
In 1981, Sir Eric was appointed to a committee to review Australia’s Higher Defence Organisation. Notably, he served as Governor of South Australia from 1996 until 2001.
For his services to Australian industry, Sir Eric was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1982 and made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1988 for service to commerce and to the community.
In 1992, Sir Eric was awarded a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. In the same year, he was a recipient of the US Defence Medal for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his contribution to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea as Chair of the Council that organised commemorative events in Australia.
For his commitment to the defence and veteran communities in South Australia, Sir Eric was awarded honorary life membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia. He was formerly an Honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force and Honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment.
In April 2008, Sir Eric was appointed as the inaugural chair of the VAC. Established to promote the wellbeing of South Australian veterans and provide advice to the South Australian Government, Sir Eric passionately advocated for increased recognition of military service and improved medical care for veterans and their families throughout his term.
He was deeply involved in the planning – and influential in securing funding – for South Australia’s Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk which commemorates both personnel and those on the home front who have served in all conflicts in which Australia has been involved since Federation.
Sir Eric also took a leading role in the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial and was Patron Emeritus of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.
The unveiling of the Memorial Walk on 23 April 2016 saw Sir Eric’s term as Chair of the Advisory Council conclude after eight years, and in retirement, Sir Eric remained a highly respected member and supporter of the veteran community.
In February 2023 with the passing of Lady Joan Neal AM, Sir Eric lost his wife of nearly 73 years. A loving and devoted couple now reunited.
Sir Eric is survived by his two sons, Peter and James, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Veterans SA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sir Eric Neal. His dedication, advocacy and distinguished leadership have left an indelible mark on the South Australian veteran community.
May he rest in peace.
