Hosted by the Government of South Australia, the funeral commemorated Sir Eric Neal’s life and his contribution to South Australia.

Members of the public were invited to attend and pay their respects.

View the livestream

About Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO KStJ

Sir Eric James Neal was born in Rotherhithe, London, on 3 June 1924 and moved to Australia with his family aged two years old.

He was educated at Largs Bay and Hindmarsh public schools before attending Thebarton Technical School, completing engineering studies at the South Australian School of Mines and undertaking an apprenticeship at the South Australian Gas Company.

Sir Eric’s successful engineering career led to an impressive business career including as chief executive officer of Boral for 14 years. He served as a board member of many companies including BHP, Atlas Copco, Westpac and John Fairfax Ltd.

In 1996, Sir Eric became the first South Australian appointed Governor from a business background. Serving in this role until 2001, his appointment was of great benefit to the state’s business community.

Dedicated to education and youth development, Sir Eric served for many years on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards internationally and as Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010.

He was chair of the South Australian Government Road Safety Advisory Council between 2003 and 2011.

Sir Eric's last role in public office was to chair the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia. He oversaw the opening of the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk on Kintore Avenue during this time.

For his many accomplishments, Sir Eric received numerous honours and awards, including a Knight Bachelor for his services to industry and a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to Commerce and to the Community.

Sir Eric Neal passed away on 2 September 2025, aged 101. His wife, Lady Joan Neal, passed in 2023 and he is survived by his two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.