Obituary of Eric W. Neill

Eric W. Neill passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, shortly before his 100th birthday. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife Josephine. He is survived by his wife, Olga. He leaves behind his children - Sandy (Paulette) Neill; Kathleen (Dan) Stasso; and Geraldine (Glen) McLaughlin, step children Jay (Arthea) Lawrie; Jodi (Dan) Kelly; Todd (Carolyn) Lawrie; Brett Lawrie; Kip Lawrie. Greatly missed by 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Eric retired from Ford Motor Co. Canada as Plant Controller of Engine Plants 1 and 2. Following retirement, he joined the Boblo Corporation as Vice President of finance, International Tool Inc. as Chairman of the Board; and Rotary Club Windsor. He served as President of the Windsor Commerce and as National President of the Naval Officer’s Association of Canada. During WW2, he served as a Flying Officer R.C.A.F until the end of the European operation, then transferred to the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm for the Pacific campaign. In 1948, he joined the Royal Naval Reserve, retiring in 1965 as LCDR Supply Officer. He was a long-time member of the Windsor Yacht Club.

He was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Silver Medal; the Canadian Centennial Medal; and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Eric was a lover; he loved and served his God faithfully, he loved his family very much, his friends and his community and his country. He especially loved his chosen profession of Accounting. From his years as a young teenager through his retirement, he was always becoming a treasurer of any organization he joined.

A special thank you from the family goes to the dedicated PSW’s and nurses of St. Elizabeth’s and Amy’s Helping Hands who have taken such good care of our family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME - Banwell Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. (519-253-7235) from 2 pm until 6 pm. A Veteran’s Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 9:30 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church until the time of Funeral Mass at 10 am. In accordance with Eric’s wishes, cremation will then take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s honour may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at windsorchapel.com