Neal Poole, brother of Natasha (Ch, 2007), passed away in 2023, aged 32. The following tribute has been written by Neal’s mother, Anita, and some of his closest friends.

It is with sadness that I write this obituary tribute for my dear, wonderful son Neal. He passed away suddenly and tragically in Australia, at the end of 2023, at only 32 years. The loss of Neal has been devastating for his family and friends.

Neal is remembered affectionately and uniquely. He was a warm, fun, smiling, bright, sensitive child. He grew to become a hardworking, goal orientated, caring, handsome, exceptionally good, independent man, with a maturity and wisdom beyond his years. 

Popular, dyslexic and very intelligent in a quiet, calm, perceptive way, Neal went on to fulfil his goal of independence and serving three years in the New Zealand Army. He then for several years worked as a qualified chef in the high-pressure Australian LNG [liquified natural gas] industry, organising and cooking high quality meals for thousands in a relatively small team. He also worked in restaurants, functions and a company producing quality packaged foods for retail, including managing staff from disadvantaged backgrounds. At Christmas he sometimes volunteered to cook for charities and gave generously.

Neal learned economics himself and taught himself to be financial astute, working towards a goal of his dream home. Despite many significant challenges – including trauma from an abusive girlfriend, a work injury that left him with a painful chronic illness, encroaching toxic neighbours, and extreme isolation during Australia’s strict Covid lockdowns – Neal renovated his home in the scenic Australian Hinterland mountain rainforest and overcame these stresses.

It's heartbreaking that we lost Neal at the end, alone, unwell and injured. Though his life was cut short, he squeezed into his 32 years all that was possible and more. I’m incredibly proud of my son’s character, integrity, ethics, achievements and calm, strong demeanour. Neal was non-judgmentally spiritual, a deep thinker, and was highly thought of in the workplace and by his family and friends. He loved nature, goodness, the environment and all that is pure and Godly. We only need think of his fearless, adventurous, compassionate, progressive spirit and he is with us in our heart, soul and mind with his gorgeous Elvis-like smile.

‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ Neal is greatly loved by many and sorely missed. Peace be with you, Neal, whom I’m privileged to have as my cherished son.

Your loving mother,

Anita / Mum

The following are excerpts from condolences and tributes from some of Neal’s closest friends – Max and Tom in the UK, and Raf and Jenine in Australia (with whom Neal worked and shared a house, before he drove across the Outback to his new home in the mountains).

Max:

On reflecting on my years side by side with your wonderful son, I have only the best of memories. I feel that we grew up together, joined at the hip in our school days and holidays. Neal demonstrated and represented the spirit of individuality and morality. There will always be choices presented to children, teenagers and adults that leave them with difficult decisions. The temptation to fit in, to be cool, or to ignore your compass and steer off course. Neal never seemed to reach these moral paradoxes. He was simply Neal; he never tried to be someone he wasn’t. He was cool because of this and I looked up to him.

Years later, meeting on one of Neal's London trips, I was so impressed with his sense of self. He was calm, confident and clearly strong. Neal is kind, gentle and brave. The world will miss this great man. We are all richer for knowing him and poorer for losing him.

Tom:

Neal was a popular young man, albeit not overtly friendly with everyone. You felt honoured if Neal considered you a friend! His self-belief is something I’ve always tried to put into practice. Be true to yourself and follow your path no matter what, and Neal certainly led from the front. I always thought it was ironic, given he didn’t follow orders at school, that he joined the Army!

I remember his ice cool demeanour and grin when we met on his trips back to the UK. Friends commented what a top bloke Neal was and how easy they felt around him and he with them. Sadly, after being so strong and fun loving, during Covid Neal seemed to be trapped by Australia’s isolation rules. With all the other issues going on in his last years and physical illnesses, it’s easy to see how disillusioned he became with life and this unsettled world. 

The loss of Neal is tragic. All that we can do now is continue to remember Neal, his impact on us, and the laughs we had along the way. Follow your instincts and enjoy the ride wherever it takes you, with a cheeky grin for good measure! Neal was built different – a maverick, one of a kind. You will always be remembered, Neal. Much love to you, my friend.

Raf & Jenine:

Neal was the kindest and most honest and humble person we’ve ever met. We always enjoyed our conversations. He will be forever remembered in our hearts and in our family. He was part of our wedding and our first son’s baptism. I will never forget my time working alongside him, the stories we shared and the plans we had for our futures. He was the best housemate we could’ve asked for and a great friend. Our deepest condolences.