Former Governor of South Australia dies
A well-loved former South Australian Governor and business titan has died, aged 101.
Sir Eric Neal, a former Governor of South Australia and ex-Chancellor of Flinders University, died this morning, aged 101.
The trained engineer and successful businessman was Governor from 1996 to 2001, following a distinguished career in business.
He was CEO of Boral for 14 years and director of John Fairfax Holdings, BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil and AMP. He was also chair of Westpac and Atlas Copco Australia.
He was the first South Australian appointed Governor from a business background.
Sir Eric – born in 1924 in Rotherhithe, London – was awarded a number of medals for his service to the nation, including the Companion of the Order of Australia and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
He was made a Knight Batchelor in 1982, received the US Defence Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 1992, and made a Knight of the Order of St John in 1996.
In addition, he was a former Honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, and also served as chair of the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia – his final role in the public service.
His service to the business community also saw him named a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and he is one of only nine Honorary Fellows of the Australian Institute of Building.
Such was his influence that a library at the University of South Australia was opened in his honour in 2001.
In a statement, the Neal family said Sir Eric “led a life full of service to the community, business and charity”.
“Dedicated to education and youth development, he served for many years on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards internationally and as Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010,” the statement reads.
“Sir Eric also took a leading role in the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander War Memorial, the Anzac Memorial Walk in Kintore Avenue and was Patron Emeritus Patron of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.
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“He was proud of his early years in Brompton and Largs Bay, and his family’s long-standing connections with the peninsula.
“His wife Lady Joan Neal AM DStJ passed in 2023, he leaves two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and a host of firm friends and family.
“He will be missed by many.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Sir Eric led a “remarkable life defined by longevity, resilience, and contribution”.
“Reaching 101 years of age is an achievement that few attain,” he said.
“His appointment was of great benefit to the state’s business community, and he led several successful trade missions to Europe, Asia and the United States.
“Importantly not only did he serve our state in an outstanding manner, but also his football club. He was a passionate Port Adelaide supporter through his life and provided important support to the club through the years, including serving as patron.
“Speaking during his centenary celebrations, Sir Eric credited much of his longevity to his wife of 72 years, Lady Thelma “Joan” Neal, his lifelong companion with whom he had two sons, and who passed away in 2023 aged 91.”
The state government has made an offer to the Neal family for a State Funeral to honour his life and contributions to SA.
“As we mourn his passing and keep his family and friends in our thoughts, let us also acknowledge – and celebrate – Sir Eric’s contribution to our state and our nation,” the Premier said.
“I pass on my sincere condolences to Sir Eric Neal’s son’s Peter and James, his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
“May he rest in peace.”
