paleonet Re Prof. John Neale

[John Neil <j.neil@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was saddened to learn of the death of my good friend, Professor 
John Neale, who must surely be regarded as one of the pioneers of 
ostracodology.  I did not enter the field of ostracod studies until 
just before retirement, and on a non-professional basis.  Yet 
Professor Neale showed interest in my early research and extended to 
me friendship and encouragement when we met at the Aberystwyth 
Conference in 1988.  As many ostracod workers would have found over 
John Neale's long career, his friendship, interest and encouragement 
were readily given.  In fact, as my wife and I found on several 
visits to the UK, John and Patti gave us the hospitality of their 
home and their company on trips and outings.  This was a common 
experience for colleagues from Europe, Asia and other parts of the 
world.
The closure of the micropalaeontology department at the University of 
Hull saw John's career abruptly terminated - an experience 
unfortunately shared by many palaeontologists in the UK at that time, 
and in other parts of the world, including Australia, subsequently. 
We will miss John's friendship and sense of humour (he often joked 
about the two "John Neales" - Neils).  We extend to Patti and the 
family our sincere sympathy.  One hopes that a new generation of 
ostracodologists will worthily succeed the likes of John Neale, Ken 
McKenzie and Dick Benson.

		John Neil