John Eric Neville, age 81, passed away peacefully on Salt Spring Island, B.C. on April 20, 2025. A dedicated and passionate naturalist, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, he generously shared his love and deep knowledge of the natural world with warmth and humour. He travelled across Canada, the UK, and New Zealand recording thousands of bird songs, and producing a body of work that includes 17 albums.

Born in 1944 in Walsall, England, John’s fascination with nature was sparked in childhood. He roamed local fishing holes, hunted with his grandfather and on warm mornings watched robins flit through open kitchen windows to peck at the butter. At college in London, he often swapped reading for rock’n’roll, witnessing legends like The Beatles, Beach Boys, and many more. In the ‘70s John moved to Canada and worked at Neville Physiotherapy Clinic in Nelson, B.C., raising his family beside Kootenay Lake. He served his community through Rotary Club and was a City Councillor for 23 years, crafting legislation to conserve the town he loved.

In 1998 John moved to Salt Spring Island, lured by its natural beauty and wealth of “critters”. John and Heather’s many adventures recording the birds, inspired his writing; he authored two books and numerous articles. John was also a regular contributor to BCnature “North in the Spring”, a chronicle of all his nature travels throughout B.C.

John was an active member of both Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club and Nature Salt Spring. Joining the board of BC Nature as Vice President in 2008 he stepped up to President from 2010 to 2014. After his presidency John served as both past president and Regional Coordinator for Vancouver Island, and spent many years on the BC Naturalists’ Foundation Board. John was instrumental in invigorating clubs with declining memberships and was instrumental in reopening the now-lively Prince George Naturalists Club. He had a knack for forming new clubs by travelling throughout the province and inviting the public to his talks and presentations on owls or birding.

John loved a good game of Bridge, an early morning walk, or a swim in the lake. He was a loving, playful, and warm grandfather to his grandkids with legendary hugs, awful jokes, and a wily chuckle that could warm a room.
He will be lovingly remembered by his partner Heather Neville, daughters Deborah Neville (John Adams) and Fiona Leblanc (Jamie Leblanc); grandchildren Sophia, Aiden, Rosie, and Fergus; and faithful dog Arlo.۞

Donations in John’s memory can be sent to:
BC Naturalists’ Foundation https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bc-naturalists-foundation/ or mail a cheque made out to the BC Naturslists’ Foundation: c/o BC Nature, 1620 Mt. Seymour Rd., North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9