In 1984, Neal was listed as one of Australia's 125 best remunerated business executives by Australian Business magazine.[1] In 1992, journalist Andrew Cornell described him as a "tough, frequently autocratic businessman."[2]
Neal chaired various government advisory bodies and served as National Chairman, Duke of Edinburgh's Award (1984–92), President of the Order of Australia Association (1989–92), Chair of the Opera Foundation (1990–96). He was Chief Commissioner of the City of Sydney (1987–88) and a member of the Senate of the University of Sydney.[citation needed]
In 2009, Neal commenced his final role in public office, serving as Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia.[4] This culminated in the opening of the Memorial Walk in Kintore Avenue. Neal retired from the position in 2016,[5] concluding 76 years in private and public sector employment.
Neal was born in London, England and migrated with his family to Adelaide in February 1927.[6] He became engaged to Joan Bowden in 1949,[7] they were married at St Peter's Church, Glenelg in 1950[8] and their first son was born in 1951 in Broken Hill.[9] A second son was born in 1963 in Ballarat.[citation needed] Lady Thelma 'Joan' Neal AM DstJ died in Adelaide on 28 February 2023.[10]
He played football with the Adelaide University Soccer Club from 1946 to 1949 and eventually became the club's patron.[11]
Neal turned 100 on 3 June 2024,[12] and died on 2 September 2025, at the age of 101.[13]
Community
Neal was appointed (1984–1992) National Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia and an International Trustee of the Award from 1987 to 1997. He and his wife, Lady Joan Neal AM were World Fellows of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association.[14]
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