
Writing a eulogy is hard. It’s a big deal to publicly honor someone close to you who has died.
How do you begin to find words, let alone organize them into something that makes sense and does the person justice? Here is a helpful Eulogy Generator that can spark some ideas for your loved one:
Life of Jason (Introduction):
We are gathered here today to remember my Father, Jason, and celebrate his life.
For those who don’t know me, I’m [YOUR NAME], and Jason was my Father.
We’re here to remember my Father, Jason, and celebrate his life.
Thank you all for coming. Jason meant a lot to so many people – it means so much to see you here.
Jason was so many things to different people. Great family man, driven colleague, wise-cracking friend — but to me, he was “Gramps”. he introduced me to the BBQ grill, the blues, and baseball.
I’m not sure how to do this…but I do know Jason wouldn’t want a bunch of sad people crying about his. So I’m going to do what I did last time I saw Jason – I’m going to tell you a couple of stories.
Jason, I can’t believe you’re gone. Who am I going to call when I need advice? Who’s going to laugh at my dumb jokes? Who’s going to remind me that it’s all going to be alright?
Thank you all for being here. I wish Jason could see the crowd who’s come out to remember his.
Thank you all for coming. I appreciate you all, but I’m going to address this to Jason….”Jason, I miss you already…”
Jason, you’ll probably never know how much you changed my life and how much you mean to me.
Some of you are probably wondering why I’m standing up here. Jason’s family was kind enough to let me say a few words today, because Jason was like a father to me.
Early life & family of Jason:
Jason was born in New York City on [THEIR BIRTHDAY, MONTH, YEAR].
his parents, Jim and Ethel were both teachers.
Jason was born on January 1st, 1925. his parents met on stage – his father, Jim, was a magician and his mother, Ethel, was an audience volunteer.
Jason was born in New York City, on January 1 1930. his parents had 3 more children and the young family moved to Boston in 1935, where he turned into the ultimate Red Sox fan.
Jason grew up in a big family – 5 brothers and 3 sisters altogether. he was especially close with his brother, Jack, who was also the best man at his wedding and his business partner.
Jason grew up in Medford, a quiet suburb of Boston. Even though he moved away at 18 and never lived in Massachusetts again, he loved coming back to visit every summer.
Jason’s family moved around a lot when he was growing up. Jason’s parents were both in the military, and he carried on in their footsteps when he enlisted in 1943.
Jason was born in Italy, in 1925. When the family eventually moved to the US, Jason was already 16 year old and didn’t speak much English. You’d never know, though, because he ended up developing a stronger Southern drawl than his wife, who was a born and bred Tennesseean.
Jason was born down the street from here, on [DATE]. he loved traveling, but home base was right here, in New York City.
As a kid, Jason always loved school. It’s no surprise he later became a teacher – he’d been tutoring other kids since junior high!
Career of Jason:
Jason was a great [PROFESSION].
Many of you know Jason as one of [CITY]’s top lawyers. While he was involved with several high profile cases over the years, he spent many weekends doing pro bono work.
Jason was a doctor, through and through – he was always helping heal people. Remember that time the guy on our flight had a heart attack, and Jason stepped in? That’s the kind of guy he was and he loved what he did.
Depending on when you knew Jason, he was either a restaurant owner, a jeweler, or a helicopter pilot. Most of us treat “business ideas” as passing facies – but not Jason. Once he got an idea in his head, he’d chase it down and turn it into a blinding success. Jason never slowed down – he turned 90 last May and insisted he wanted to start a bar.
Jason was a television writer, best known for reinventing TV zombies…..but he also wrote children’s books under a pen name. Only Jason could write a horror series and kids’ books!
Jason was an accountant, and he loved working with local businesses. he was an essential part of more than a few restaurant turnarounds, helping them balance their books and operate profitably. Jason was like Gordon Ramsey, but nice and polite.
Jason was a mortician, so today’s really just another day at the office for his.
Jason was a musician. he did everything from play in a rock bank to teach high school music classes.
Jason was a chef. he opened a dozen restaurants over the last 50 years – none of them alike. he loved the pressure of being in the kitchen, leading the team…but he also just loved cooking. Going camping with Jason was a treat because he’d always come up with gourmet-level dishes he’d create over a campfire.
Jason spent 20 years as a Hollywood stuntman – but before all that he got his start in the circus, as the youngest trapeze artist ever.
Hobbies of Jason:
Jason loved [HOBBY]
Jason loved playing poker. When playing against us got too easy, he started playing in pro tournaments – I still remember how excited he was when he got to play in the World Series of Poker in 1999!
Jason loved watching NBA games. Even though we lived in Dallas, he made the trip to Boston to watch the Celtics play at the Garden at least once a year.
Jason loved playing golf. And by golf, I mean meeting up with his pals, having a beer outdoors, and walking around a beautiful course. I get it! he was lucky enough to play a couple of the big courses in the US, but his favorite was playing St. Andrews in Scotland.
Jason loved hiking. Nothing made his happier than packing a lunch and heading up a mountain. he even hiked on our family trips! When everyone else was doing the typical tourist sightseeing, he’d be off walking some local trail.
Jason loved stand up comedy. I see a few people I know from the comedy club, where Jason would play open mic nights. Did you know he didn’t get up on stage until he was 75?
Jason loved photography. Whether it was his collection of pro cameras or just his iPhone, Jason was always looking for his next shot. he even went to Norway to shoot the Northern Lights!
Jason loved collecting baseball cards. he started early, when he was just 8 years old, and never stopped. We’d go to card conventions every year, where he was always on the hunt for a Roberto Clemente rookie card. Whenever I’d get excited about seeing a Babe Ruth or Honus Wagner card, he’d just scoff and say, “Yeah, but I got to watch Clemente play!”.
Jason loved fixing up old cars. his pride and joy was his1967 Mustang, but my favorite memories were of his teaching me to repair the beat up old VW I bought when I was 17.
Jason loved the piano, but he didn’t learn to play until he signed me up for lessons. he’d “borrow” my workbooks – but I still don’t know when he got the time to practice. I had no idea how good he’d gotten until a few years ago when he started teaching my kids to play.
Jason loved building things. When he was a kid, his folks would take his on hunting and fishing trips….but he hated hunting and fishing. Instead, he’d stay at the cabin with his grandfather, who was a master carpenter and woodworker. They’d spend days creating little art pieces….and later entire sets of furniture we still use!
Stories and memories about Jason:
Remember that time…
Remember that time Fluffy, our cat, got stuck in the tree? Jason insisted on climbing up to get her….and ended up stuck up there himself? The fire department showed up to rescue a cat, but had to extract a large, angry human instead!
Remember the first time we all brought our families over to Jason’s place for Thanksgiving? A thunderstorm ruined the barbeque, we were soaked, the food was a disaster – but it ended up being one of the best family reunions ever! I’ve never laughed so hard, and it was all because nobody threw a party – or rescued one – like Jason.
Remember that time when I took Jason along when I bought my first car? The salesman had no idea what was about to hit him – Jason was a black belt haggler, totally ruthless. I still can’t remember what we paid, but I can still picture that poor guy’s face as we drove off the lot with a helluva deal.
Remember that time when Jason fell asleep at my school play, when I finally got the lead role? It’d be one thing if he just nodded off like a regular person – but no…Jason was big and loud – just like his snoring. Just as I went up for my first big monologue – SNORTTT – Jason managed to upstage me from the audience…
Remember that time Jason insisted he’d never allow a dog in the house? I still remember his coming home one day with Rufus – the little puppy was in such bad shape we couldn’t even tell what sort of breed he was. Jason spent weeks taking him back and forth to the vet and nursing him back to health. That “no dog” rule went right out the window after that.
Final goodbyes to Jason:
Goodbye, Jason.
Jason, you taught me everything I know.
Jason, you will be missed. You made such an impact on all of us here today and so many more.
And now, it’s time to say goodbye to Jason. Gone, but not forgotten.
Jason lives on through us – his friends and family. he shaped so many of our lives and leaves behind great memories.
Jason would want us to celebrate his life, not mourn his loss.
I think Jason would say, “Cry if you must, but make them tears of laughter”. Jason always knew how to make us laugh even in the darkest times….I’ll miss that so much.
Jason, you were more than a regular Father – you were the first person I’d call when I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate with. Thanks for always being there.
Jason accomplished so much…but he never talked about any of that. Instead, he was always celebrating our achievements. he was an inspiration, and I can’t believe he’s gone.
Jason, I can’t believe you’re gone. I love you and I miss you already.
If you would like to write a eulogy on your own, here’s some helpful steps together.
Let the Purpose of a Eulogy Guide You:
A eulogy is nothing more and nothing less than a fond remembrance of someone you cared about. It’s a tribute that honors who the person was and the ways he or she was important in the lives they touched.
A eulogy honors the deceased and comforts the living by fostering a continued bond between them. A eulogy says, “Our loved one isn’t gone. He’ll forever touch our lives through stories and memories.”
Think of your eulogy as a tapestry woven between the deceased and the living, a blanket of stories covering everyone.
With this big-picture purpose in mind, it becomes a bit less daunting to start the eulogy-writing process. You are telling a story about someone you cared about. Stories are informal with room for creative license.
Knowing a eulogy’s purpose in mind, you are ready to prepare to write.
Preparing to Write a Eulogy:
Sitting down at your computer or with a notebook in front of you and trying to write can lead to a great deal of stress and anxiety. You’re likely susceptible to emotional distress if you’re grieving, and trying to write cold will make you feel worse.
Instead, do some prep work. This lays the foundation for the eulogy, making it both easier and better. Consider these helpful steps in the eulogy-writing prep process.
1. Free-Write
Sit down in a comfortable spot, settle in with some tea, coffee, or water (stick with things that are beneficial to your brain), turn on some music, and let your thoughts wander. Think about the person who has passed away and let your ideas flow. Scribble down things like
- Personal memories you have
- How the person touched your life and the lives of others
- What the person did
- How the person was (personality, strengths, traits)
- What was important to him/her
A general guideline is to make it about relationships: your relationship with the deceased; others’ relationships with him or her; personal, work, and community relationships; and other connections you can think of. This personal element will help you make the eulogy meaningful beyond a sterile recitation of accomplishments and facts.
2. Consider a Theme
After you free-write, study your words and phrases. How do they relate? What keeps jumping out at you? You might see patterns of
- A personal quality
- Behavior or actions
- A strength
- Personality traits
For example, you might notice that you kept writing about the games you’d play when you were with this person and how he was always the source of fun. Create your eulogy about this aspect of him, and include examples and stories.
As you choose your theme and prepare to write, jot down notes that you can develop to weave a rich tapestry of feelings, stories, and experiences around that theme. If your loved one was nurturing, tell stories and give personal examples that highlight her caring nature. If she was ambitious, share examples of how she inspired others by always pursuing her goals.
3. Reach Out
Sure, you were the one asked to write the eulogy, but you aren’t the only one with memories and experiences with the dearly departed. Ask others what they remember about the person.
To make it easier for them, and for you, ask them questions that relate to the theme you’ve chosen to develop. If you’re going to talk about how much your aunt loved learning and passed that on to those around her, ask people to share memories of reading or exploring or going to museums with her. Write these examples into your homage.
4. Other Information to Include
You can include additional information than what relates to the central theme. Topics often included in eulogies:
- Crucial milestones in your loved one’s life history
- Career
- Meaningful accomplishments
Perhaps start with some basics and transition to the story-like theme. Or work necessary information into your anecdotal accounts.
If you’re sharing about your dad’s passion for building, you might say, “He didn’t have a chance to use his love of carpentry in his work as a dentist, but he made himself and others happy by developing a hobby that benefited many people.”
Writing Your Eulogy:
First and foremost, do write it. Sometimes, people think they’ll be able to stand up and “wing it” because they know what the person was like and feel that they have a lot to say. That’s dangerous! Funerals and memorial services are emotional events, and your grief will likely prevent you from ad-libbing a eulogy.
You don’t need to worry about formal writing, though. The best eulogies are well-prepared and from the heart. Tributes are usually informal and conversational. They’re like telling stories—stories with the purpose of honoring the deceased as well as keeping them alive in everyone’s memories.
While casual, you do need to have a logical flow so grieving people can easily follow what you’re saying. To do this,
- Choose your theme
- List primary pieces of information and examples that show how your loved one was courageous, reliable, caring—whatever trait you’ve selected
- Organize them into a logical order and progression
Some Final Eulogy-Writing Tips:
Keeping these general thoughts in mind will guide your process:
- Be brief. If it’s too long, your message about your loved one will be lost. Typical eulogies are about five or ten minutes
- Think about capturing the essence of who your loved one was rather than reciting their resume
- Keep things personal rather than generic
- Include quotations from literature, songs, great thinkers, or religious writings
- Stay positive. This isn’t the time to point out flaws. If it’s hard to be nice, at least stay neutral. Stick to facts and information rather than memories and stories. Or decline the invitation to eulogize.
Writing a eulogy is a difficult task. Think of it as a chance to bind everyone together, the deceased and the living.
Learn more tricks to writing better:
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