It is a privilege to be asked to speak at a funeral service and to give a Eulogy.
The task can seem daunting, so these pages have been put together to assist. From here you can also link to poems and other tools to help you.
Below is an example of a eulogy speech that could assist as you write your speech.
“Mrs [name], [children first names], family members, colleagues and friends.
Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal. [Name] has silently closed the door of life and departed from us. Our lives will be empty in the areas he had brightened for us.
Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” In one word, [name] was a man who gave. He gave much to his work, to [list one or two]. That is why, ladies and gentlemen, as we are gathered here to say goodbye to him, I would like to speak in celebration of his life. Here was a life that demanded notice….a life that exemplified brilliance…a life that inspired emulation…a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit.
I have known [name] since [year], when he joined the [organisation or Division or business] of [organisation] as a [position]. [Name] was a strategic thinker, a visionary who was brilliant, innovative and creative. As such, he contributed much to the development of the [organisation name]. He generously gave of his knowledge, his expertise, his skills.
[Name] was deeply concerned with improving [list] and he was very keen to innovate [list]. He initiated and implemented much in this field during the [number of years] that he was at [organisation name].
For example, [list achievements here]
As ……
When as [name] also ….
Later, as a member of the …..
[Name] did not limit his work to just [organization name]
In [year] [name] was ….
[Name] was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father to his children. He was also a good friend to many of us and a great colleague. The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words: he was sincere, he was earnest, he was loyal.
As [position], [name] led his staff in such a way that he exemplified leadership. He gave energy, commitment and inspiration to his staff and to others with whom he worked. The [name] I remember was a happy [name], one who not only was cheerful in himself but who gave much cheerfulness to others. He had a beautiful smile, a sense of humour and a gentle demeanour. [Name] was bright, logical and systematic in his thinking. He was always willing to share his ideas and information. He was passionately interested in …… matters and would advise us on …… . Many of us found him to be a splendid person of great intellect and big heart.
In his career as [career position] he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death all the people who knew him will miss a highly intelligent, vibrant individual with a rare friendliness and charm of personality. [Name] was a genuinely warm and wonderful individual—one we will miss greatly. Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him.”
Massey's Casket 