By Chandra Lye
Published Monday, May 18, 2015
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CTV News has confirmed that legendary broadcaster Eric Neville, also known as Klondike Eric, has passed away.
According to his family, Neville suffered a sudden heart attack on Friday.
He had begun work at CFRN in 1963 and was known for his work on Popcorn Playhouse and as the weatherman for the 6 p.m. newscast.
One of his daughters described his as “an unstoppable force of positive energy, happiness and humour” in a Facebook post.
“His beautifully crafted stories, his endless energy and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. He was one in a billion. We will miss you so much,” Sherry Soong wrote.
Soong also said that donations can be made in her father’s name to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Ronald McDonald House.
http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/cfrn-legend-eric-neville-passes-away-1.2379219
Sad news. Had the pleasure of working with Eric at ‘RN in the late 80’s. Funny, funny man. All the best to his family.
I met Eric in 1965 and worked with him at CFRN until 1991. Eric impressed me with his strong stature and voice but even more so with his humour and down to earth nature that comes from being a farmer. Cleaning barns keeps one humble. Eric always found humour no matter what was going on. It was infectous and made life easier. His skills at refurbishing homes and his interest in technical matters was inspiring. His christmas chocolates were something to look forward to. Put all of these skills and talents together with an effective story teller and you get a television personality called Eric Neville. Rest in Peace Old Friend.
Condolences to the Neville family. My husband (Gerry McLaughlin) worked with Eric in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton’. He was the cameraman on the Popcorn Playhouse Show. He had many a laugh with Eric as well as visiting with Eric and Barbara. My husband Gerry, passed away four years ago and he could add so many good stories. Eric and Popcorn Playhouse will be remembered with fond thoughts. It was a pleasure to know you.
Dave, Stan and Bobby, Thank you all so much for your kind words. They mean so much to my mother, Barbara. My brother and sister, Larry and Holly, are also so grateful for your thoughtful remembrances. We would love to have people donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Ronald McDonald House in his name. He lived a selfless, full life and would want the same for others. Feel free to connect with the family through the facebook page “Fans of Popcorn Playhouse“. Kindest regards, the Neville and Soong families.
We are saddened by the news of Eric’s death. Eric and I were school mates in Public School. In our Grade 6 year, about 1950/51 we were School Crossing Guards together. While in Junior High School circa 1953/54 we did a skit together. Time passed and work took me Victoria to Edmonton and low and behold, Eric was a TV personality, much to the absolute delight of our first son. Apart from TV we socialized with Eric and Barb and regrettably lost touch after we moved to Ontario.
Many fond memories
Koralie and Warren Elliott