How to write an Obituary

Writing an Obituary for a loved one or friend is one of the hardest things you can ever do.

It can be anything from a short celebration of their life to a full history with a family tree and personal details.

Whatever kind of Obituary you need to write it is important to make some notes first as it is an emotional experience as memories and feelings for that person are recalled.

Please use this guide on Obituary writing as a rough template and never be afraid to add your own ideas because you are the one that knew them personally.

1 : Description

Give details of their date of birth, place of birth and maybe add son or daughter of ...

2 : Details

Give details of the date they died. You can also include how they died if you wish.

3 : Surviving Family

Give details of surviving family members.

4 : Description of the Individual

Give a description of how they lived their lives, any achievements, Good deeds or any special reason they can be remembered for.

5 : A Tribute

Add a poem or a prayer that shows your feelings or describes them as a person or as a tribute to what they meant to others

6 : Service Information

Give details of where the service will be held including the Time, Date and Place.

7 : Terms of Respect

Advise people to either send flowers or to make a donation to the persons favourite cause or organisation etc..

8 : Contact Details

Give contact details for the funeral service or family member that is dealing with any enquiries / phonecalls etc...

There are many ways to publish your Obituary once it is completed and you must consider how to get the information to as many people as you can.

Local papers are always a good place to start but not many people read the obituary section every day. National press covers a larger area but can be expensive.

Online obituaries are now more accepted and stay online as a permanent tribute and celebration to be found and visited at any time.

Wherever you decide to place your Obituary make sure you spell check any names and important details as this can cause distress and further sadness at an already difficult time.