William A Neal

July 9, 1915 – February 13, 2020 NEAL, William A. “Bill” Passed peacefully away at Tiffany Village, St. John’s, on Thursday, February 13, William A. Neal, in his 105th year, after a long life well lived. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret (2006); parents: William R. and Susan Neal; sister, Jean (Frank) Fearn; brothers: George (Beverley), Ford (Kathleen) and Fraser (Helen); brothers-in-law: Eric Harvey (Margaret), Jim Harvey (Peg), Ron Harvey, Jim Baird and Jim McLaughlin; and sisters-in-law: Nellie (Wes) Edwards and Janet (Colin) Story. Left with wonderful memories are his son George (Carol); grandchildren: Jennifer (Alan) Irwin, Geoff (Connie) and Eric (Jaime); great-grandchildren: Jack Irwin, Emma Irwin and Aaron Neal; sister, Mary (Bob) Balint; sisters-in-law: Gladys Baird, Shirley McLaughlin and Lorna Harvey. He also leaves a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill was an inspiration to his family and others for the way he lived his life. He gave freely of his time and mentored many along the way. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Educated at Bishop Feild College and St. Andrews College. He joined the family business (George Neal Ltd.) in 1932. Started by his grandfather in 1892, he rose to the position of Managing Director, retiring in 1992 after overseeing the successful windup of the company and subsequent sale to Fortis Properties Corp. Active in the business community during this period, he served two one-year terms as President of St. John’s Board of Trade during the early formative years of 1972 and 1973. A proud Feildian, he supported and participated in old Feildian activities for over 80 years. He served terms as President of the Feildian Club and Director of the Feildian Athletic Grounds Association. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club for his outstanding service in the community. In this regard he served for 25 years as Chairman of the General Protestant Cemetery Board, Member Emeritus of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Founding Member and Past President of Masonic Park Complex and Elder of St. Andrew’s Church. One of his great passions was membership in the Masonic Brotherhood for over 75 years including Past Master of Avalon Lodge and a founding member of St. George’s Lodge. He was also member of the Mazol Shrine. He was awarded the Order of Meritorius Service and received the rank of Honorary Past Grand Master by the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador. Special thank you to the caring and dedicated staff of Tiffany Village that truly added to his health and happiness in recent years. Resting at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, with visitation on Monday, February 17, from 2:00pm-9:00pm. Memorial Celebration of Life will be held from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 11:00am, with a reception to follow at the church hall. Following cremation, a private family burial will take place at General Protestant Cemetery on Wednesday morning. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To view the online memorial guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca