Obituary of Robert L. Neal

Robert Leslie "Bob" Neal of Saint John, husband of Bertha Olivia (Urquhart) Neal, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Loch Lomond Village, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Saint John on September 24, 1927, he was the son of the late Herbert and Emma (Brown) Neal. Bob worked as a salesman and manager for McFarlane Son and Hodgson (subsequently Domtar), and was a life member of both the New Brunswick and the Canadian Office Products Associations. From the late 1940’s until the early 1960’s, Bob was a successful coach and builder of several basketball teams and players in Saint John and Montreal, and he was recognized for his contribution to basketball by inductions into the New Brunswick Basketball Sports Hall of Fame and the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame. Bob was also a member of Gyro International Men’s Club, and an active member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, where he was a youth leader. He served many years on the advisory board of the Salvation Army, and was a Cub and Scout Leader as well. In addition to his wife of 54 years, Bob is survived by his son, David Neal (Judy) of Fredericton; grandchildren Jocelyn, Rachel, and Matthew; sisters Dorothy Burnett of Alexandria, ON, and his twin sister Joyce Ross of Saint John; as well as nieces and nephews. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM from Forest Hills Baptist Church, 36 Mountain Road, Saint John. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Salvation Army, the Alzheimer’s Society, or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.