How to Write an Obituary for Your Grandfather

How to Write an Obituary for Your Grandfather

For many of us, the first time we experience the death of a loved one is when one of our grandparents pass away. As sad as this event is, you must remind yourself that death is part of the natural life cycle. Having said that, it doesn't take away the pain we feel when your grandfather moves on to the next life.

Our grandfather becomes like a second dad to us. Your grandfather probably spent time with you doing things that you and him both enjoy, whether it's teaching you how to fish or helping him finish crossword puzzles in his morning newspaper. Using his decades worth of experiences in life, your grandpa guided you when you had to navigate through turbulent times. We owe a lot to our grandfather, so it would be an honor for us to write their obituary.

Usually, it is your parents or aunts and/or uncles who would write the online obituary, because they are the children of your grandpa. However, there might be times when you are the one tasked with this somber but very important process.

If you've never written an online obituary before and don't know where to start, we've outlined the basic structure for you. We also included tips that will make the online obituary for your beloved grandparents the best it can be.

The Basics

Write down basic information about your grandfather such as:

• Complete name

• Date and place of birth

• Date and place of passing

• Age at passing

• Place of residence

• Spouse's name

Double-check dates and places. Make sure that spelling is correct. You can also add a bit of character with personal details, such as:

• Nicknames

• Names of children and grandchildren

• Personality traits

• Hobbies and achievements of note

Include a Brief Biography

Your grandfather's life was unique. This part of the obituary is where you let your grandfather's unique personality and legacy shine. Provide a brief biography about his life, including:

• Major life events

• Contributions and causes

• Profession or trade

• The lives he touched

• Close friends and colleagues

• Funny habits or quirks

Service Information

If you're writing the online obituary before their funeral, provide the important details about the service. You might like to consider adding the following:

• Name of the funeral home and contact number

• Place of service

• Date and time of visitation

• Any special program for the deceased

• Officiant Name (if applicable)

However, if you're creating the online obituary after your beloved grandfather's funeral, you can skip creating this section.

Add a Special Message

Last, but not least, you can add a special message for or about your grandpa. As the editor of their online obituary, you can choose to write it in first-person or from a third-person perspective. It's up to you to choose which tone is more appropriate or intimate.

You can talk about fond memories of your grandfather. Don't be afraid to write something humorous or quirky for as long as it's appropriate for an obituary. Although online obituaries are serious, it doesn't have to be somber or heavy. Obituaries are meant to show the remarkable life and personality of your grandfather.