NEAL, Derek James "Dick", MM, CD, Lieutenant Commander (RCN retired) - Died peacefully at his home overlooking St. Margaret's Bay in Seabright, March 27, 2003. Born in Newport, Gwent, Wales, in 1931, he was the son of the late James and Rose (Mahoney) Neal. From the age of 17, he followed the sea, first with the British India Steamship Company, and later with ships of the P & O Line, until, in 1957, he enlisted in the Royal Naval Reserve, serving as Sub-Lieutenant on HMS submarines, Sea Scout and HMS Spiteful. When the RCN introduced submarines to its fleet, he was transferred to Halifax with the Canadian Navy. He served on the frigate, HMCS Outremont, the destroyer, HMCS St. Croix, and on submarines Oracle and Ojibwa, retiring in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He obtained his Master Mariner (Foreign Going) certificate and was awarded the Admiral Sir Max Horton Prize for Submarine Training, 1963. A proud moment in his RCN service was when he was chosen to stand watch at the catafalque of Sir Winston Churchill, the only Canadian officer to do so. Sailing and travel, books, music and gardening were among his chief interests until poor health, in the last few years, forced him to forgo all but his vast reading and enjoyment of music. He was predeceased by his sister, Maureen Milner, and beloved son, Richard. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Olga (Davis, Baker); his daughters, Melinda, Victoria, B.C.; Penny, Lars, Scotland; Sarah, The Hague; his sons, Philip, The Hague, and David, Meppel, Holland; his stepdaughters, Libby Baker, Oakura, New Zealand; Ann Baker, Petersburg, Alaska; Jo Bird, Nelson, New Zealand, and Sarah Horner, Ahaura, New Zealand. He leaves also his dearly beloved grandchildren, John, Alex, Alexandra and Richard Neal; Dylan, Maegan and Reuben Bird, Sara Quilter, Sam and Bevan Horner; numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation, and a memorial service in St. Margaret's Anglican Church, Tantallon, will be held next week - date to be announced. Family flowers only, with contributions to the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made to: www.rawalker.ca

NEAL, Derek James "Dick", M.M., C.D., Lt. Cmdr. (Ret.'d R.C.N.) - A memorial service will be held in St. Margaret's Anglican Church, Tantallon, at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3, Rev. Mark Marshall officiating, Rev. Charlie Black assisting. Reception following in the church hall. Cremation has taken place. The ashes will be committed to the waters of St. Margaret's Bay in the summer, when the Neal children are able to be present.