How to Write a Eulogy

A eulogy is a wonderful way to acknowledge a life well-lived and share the respect that we have for each other. Eulogies take many forms. Some are a more formal history of the person and may include their academic achievements, working life and professional highlights. Others are more personal, which may include personal attributes, sharing of a funny story or an anecdote showing how the person has shared and impacted our lives.
In many cases, eulogies can be delivered by just one person speaking on behalf of family, friends and colleagues. Other times they are presented individually by multiple speakers, each usually addressing their memories from their own perspective.
Eulogies can be presented by family members, family friends, business or career colleagues, ministers or the funeral celebrant.

Some helpful ideas:
Most eulogies would include some of the following;
- About yourself, your relationship to the deceased
- If reading on behalf of someone else, your relationship to that person
- Early life and family
- Working life and career achievements
- Hobbies, interests & club memberships
- Personal qualities & quirks
- Memories & legacy
- Closing quote or farewell statement
Writing from your memory and expressing what the person means to you is a good place to start.
Looking at and sharing photos and memorabilia can be helpful too.
Writing your thoughts and memories down in note form can also help you work out what is important to you and others to share.
Write a rough draft that you can polish as you think and memories will often take shape.
Organise the information in some type of order – introduction, middle and end.
Write or type clearly the completed eulogy, read it out loud or perhaps let a trusted family member or friend read it as well.
