Cherishing Memories: How to Write an Obituary for Grandfather

Aman

06 June, 2025

Table of Contents

What are the main things that must be included in an obituary for a grandfather?
What are the steps to write a perfect obituary for Grandfather?
Sample for a grandfather's obituary:

It is widely known that grandfathers frequently lead deep, complex lives with relationships spanning generations. Hence, writing an obituary for them can seem like a difficult task.

But with careful consideration and preparation, an obituary can be written that perfectly conveys his legacy and character. To help you in this tough situation, here are some general tips for writing an obituary as well as some templates and sample obituaries.

What are the main things that must be included in an obituary for a grandfather?

A grandfather's life, legacy, and the unique memories he made with family should all be respected in the obituary. Reading numerous examples reveals that obituaries frequently adhere to a general format.

While drafting an obituary for your grandfather, keep the following points in mind:

Full name and age of the deceased: One should include his full name (and any nicknames if there are), age, and date of death.
Information about birth and death: It is necessary to mention the birth date and location of the person, then the place where they passed away.
Information about Past life: Give a brief account of his early years, including his upbringing, any siblings, and parents.
Information about Education and career: List his schooling, professional background, and noteworthy accomplishments in brief. Mention here whether he had long-term employment or served in the military.
A few things about Personal life: Provide some information about his character, interests, pastimes, or significant achievements, such as volunteering, woodworking, gardening, fishing, or just telling the family's stories.
About Family: List his surviving family members, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any close friends or relatives who were like family to him. You should also include close relatives who died before him.
About Legacy and cherished memories: Describe his greatest qualities or admirations, such as his humor, his devotion to his family, or a custom he upheld. He can bring his character to life in words by adding a brief yet poignant story.
Funeral or memorial details: Describe the services in detail, including the date, time, and place, or indicate whether they will be private. Sharing information about your event can be as simple as sending the link to your memorial page.
Special requests, if any: If flowers are requested to be replaced with donations, or if there is a cause he was passionate about, please mention it here. Simply invite people to visit your memorial website and leave donations or flowers if you have one.
Last Closing line: Finish with a parting statement. For example, "His legacy lives on through the lives he touched," or "He will be truly missed but will always be in our hearts."

Also Read, Crafting a Loving Tribute: Writing an Obituary for Your Father

What are the steps to write a perfect obituary for Grandfather?

Step 1: Start with the announcement of death:

In most obituaries, the death of the deceased is announced first. This gives some background information on the situation and helps to create the tone. Only one or two sentences should be used.

Example: On October 1, 2022, David Christopher departed from this life surrounded by his loved ones.

Step 2: Further add a short biography:

Because of space constraints, the biography should probably be between three and four sentences long. Add a few basic details about their birth, upbringing, any noteworthy college mentions, and occupation.

Example: David was born on September 24, 1950, to Todd and Leona Edwards. Having grown up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he earned a psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

His high school sweetheart, Barbara Jacobs, and he were married in 1971. They have a child together, Brittany. Before retiring from his career as a professional counselor, Bob worked as a lay counselor in his church.

Step 3: Add interesting personal details:

If there is room, include a few personal details in the biography area. This presents an opportunity to go a little further into their life story. Add a few stories about them or detail more about them that truly embody who they are.

It's important to remember that obituaries are usually brief. Although they can reach 450 words, they typically come in at about 200 words. Ask if there are any word count limits if you intend to print the obituary in your local newspaper.

Example: Bob traveled all over the world in his counseling practice, assisting military families in adjusting to the demands of military life. He enjoyed traveling, taking his family with him, and helping others. He received a lifetime achievement award from the American Counseling Association in 2001.

Step 4: Add family details:

In this part, you should list the people who have survived and predeceased the individual. In addition to family members who were especially close, it should include immediate family members.

Example: Bob Jones's sister Jane (Jones) Hadley, brother Edward Jones, wife Barbara Jones, and daughter Brittany Johnes survive him.

Step 5: conclude with funeral arrangements:

Conclude the obituary by providing information regarding the date of the memorial service, celebration-of-life service, or funeral. Make sure the date, time, and place of the event are included in the obituary if the funeral is public. If the service is limited to a private guest list, you can either state this explicitly or just leave out any reference to a funeral.

Example: We will host the funeral service at First Baptist Church, Lancaster, at 2 p.m. on October 5, 2022. The attendees can join us from 12 noon.

Also Read, 7 Factors For Choosing A Cremation Ground Nearby

Sample for a grandfather's obituary:

The family of Harkness lost their hero on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. While attempting to save a local family from a fire that had consumed their home, Noah Sullivan "Sully" Harkness lost his life. August 6, 1991, saw the birth of Sully in Ellsworth.

His life's ambition was to become a firefighter, a dream he had from a young age. Serving for 20 years while doing what he loved allowed him to achieve his aim.

Mark Brian Harkness, his wife Amanda Ava Harkness, and their kids Zoe Savannah Harkness and Skylar Brianna Harkness are Sully's surviving family members. His mother, Crystal Lee Harkness, is his antecedent.

At Maple Oak Funeral Home, located at 8642 Main Street in Ellsworth, friends and community members are welcome to join the Harkness family for a celebration of life service on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 5 p.m.