When a loved one passes away, writing an obituary can be a difficult task. It’s a way to honor their life and share their story with others. But where do you start? How do you condense a person’s entire life into a few paragraphs?
Thankfully, writing an obituary outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you don’t miss any important details. It can also make the writing process less overwhelming.
To begin, start by gathering information about the person’s life, such as their birthdate, where they grew up, and any notable accomplishments or events in their life. Then, write down their immediate family members and any close friends they had.
From there, you can create sections for different aspects of their life, such as education, career, hobbies, and interests. It’s also important to include any organizations or causes they were passionate about.
An obituary outline is meant to be a flexible guide, so don’t be afraid to adjust it as needed. You can find many examples online to use as inspiration or even edit as needed.
Writing an obituary can be an emotional and challenging task, but creating an outline can help streamline the process and ensure you give your loved one the tribute they deserve.
The Best Structure for Writing an Obituary: A Guide by Tim Ferris
Writing an obituary is one of the most challenging tasks one can undertake. It requires you to reflect on a person’s life, their accomplishments, and their legacy. You must also consider the feelings of those who knew and loved them and make sure the obituary is respectful and accurate. In this guide, I will share my insights on the best structure for writing an obituary that honors the deceased and provides comfort to the bereaved.
Step 1: Gather Information
The first step in writing an obituary is to gather as much information as possible about the person’s life. You should try to collect details such as:
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names and profession
- Education
- Career
- Hobbies and interests
- Family members and their relationship to the deceased
- Awards and achievements
- Charitable work or volunteerism
- Any special memories or anecdotes
Once you have all the information, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Crafting the First Paragraph
The first paragraph of an obituary should include the basic facts about the person’s life, such as their name, age, and place of residence. You can also include the date and cause of death if you feel comfortable doing so. Make sure to write in a way that is respectful and sensitive to those who are mourning.
Here is an example of a well-crafted first paragraph:
John Smith, 84, of New York City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2020, surrounded by his family. John was born on January 1, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to James and Elizabeth Smith. He grew up in a loving home with his two sisters, Mary and Jane, and graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in business.
Step 3: Highlighting Accomplishments and Achievements
After the first paragraph, you can move on to highlight the accomplishments and achievements of the deceased. This section should be a celebration of their life and all they accomplished. Make sure to include any significant milestones, awards, honors, or other notable achievements. You can also mention any community involvement, charitable work, or other contributions to society.
Here is an example of what this section might look like:
John was an accomplished businessman who held several high-level positions throughout his career. He was the CEO of XYZ Corporation for 20 years and led the company to record profits. He was also an active member of his community and served on several charity boards, including the local food bank and the United Way. John was also a passionate traveler and visited over 30 countries throughout his life, often sharing stories of his adventures with his friends and family.
Step 4: Sharing Special Memories
Finally, you can end the obituary by sharing some special memories or anecdotes about the deceased. This section should be personal and heartfelt. It can include stories about the person’s personality, sense of humor, or other unique traits. You can also share memories of times spent together or special moments that you will always treasure.
Here is an example of what this section might look like:
John was known for his dry wit and his love of puns. One of his favorite things to do was to tell jokes and see how long it took for someone to get the punchline. He was always up for a good laugh and had a way of making even the most mundane tasks seem fun. One of my fondest memories of John was when we took a trip to Japan together. He was so excited to try the local cuisine and insisted on ordering dishes that were way outside of his comfort zone. We ended up having some of the most memorable meals of our lives.
Final Thoughts
Writing an obituary can be a daunting task, but by following this simple structure, you can create a heartfelt tribute to the person you loved and lost. Remember to gather as much information as possible, be sensitive to those who are grieving, and share some special memories. By doing this, you can create an obituary that truly honors the life and legacy of the deceased.
Obituary Outline Samples for Different Reasons
Obituary Outline for an Elderly Person
Dear friends and family,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother, (Full Name), on (Date of Passing). She was (Age) years old and lived a full and wonderful life. Born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth), she spent her childhood surrounded by family and friends. After completing her education, she worked in (Field of Work) for many years before retiring. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Though (Full Name) has passed on, her legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and unwavering love.
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to (Full Name) and thank her for all that she brought into our lives. Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Young Adult
Dear friends and family,
We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of (Full Name) on (Date of Passing). At only (Age) years old, (Full Name) had her life cut tragically short. She was born and raised in (Place of Birth), where she was loved by everyone who knew her. She graduated from (Name of School) in (Year), where she excelled in (Hobbies/Activities).
(Full Name) will be remembered for her infectious smile and kind heart. She had a passion for (Hobbies/Activities) and loved spending time with her friends and family. Though she was taken from us too soon, we are grateful for the time we had with her and the memories we will cherish forever.
We ask for privacy during this difficult time, as we come to terms with our heartbreaking loss.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for Someone Who Lost Their Battle with Cancer
Dear friends and family,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our (Relation/Friend), (Full Name), on (Date of Passing), after a long and courageous battle with cancer. (He/She) fought with incredible strength and bravery, inspiring all of us with (His/Her) unwavering spirit.
(Full name) was born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth) and spent (His/Her) life surrounded by love. (He/She) was a devoted (Relation), always putting the needs of others before (His/Her) own. (His/Her) smile lightened up any room (He/She) walked into and will be deeply missed by all who knew (Him/Her).
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff who provided (Him/Her) care during (His/Her) illness. Their compassion and dedication were greatly appreciated.
May (Full Name) rest in peace knowing that (He/She) touched so many lives with (His/Her) strength and grace.
With love and sympathy,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Friend or Family Member Who Committed Suicide
Dear friends and family,
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of (Full Name), who took (His/Her) own life on (Date of Passing). (He/She) struggled with (Depression/Anxiety/Mental Illness) for many years and sadly succumbed to (His/Her) illness.
(Full Name) was born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth) and had many passions in life. (He/She) loved (Hobbies/Activities) and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Though (He/She) fought a difficult battle, we will always remember (Him/Her) for (His/Her) kindness, compassion and endless love.
It is important that we support one another during this time of grief. Let’s take time to remember the special moments we shared with (Full Name) and honor (His/Her) memory by reaching out to those who may be struggling with mental illness.
Rest in peace, (Full Name). You will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Veteran
Dear friends and family,
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved (Relation/Friend), (Full Name), on (Date of Passing). (He/She) was a veteran of (Branch of Service) and served our country with bravery and honor.
(Full Name) was born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth) and grew up with a strong commitment to public service. After serving in the military, (He/She) continued to live a life of service, always putting the needs of others before (His/Her) own. (He/She) will always be remembered for (His/Her) unwavering dedication, courage and strength of character.
(Full Name) will be deeply missed by all who knew (Him/Her), but we take comfort in knowing that (He/She) lived a life of purpose and conviction.
Thank you, (Full Name), for your service to our country. Rest in peace.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for a Child
Dear friends and family,
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved child, (Full Name), on (Date of Passing). Though (He/She) was only (Age) years old, (He/She) touched many lives in (His/Her) short time with us. (He/She) was born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth) and was loved unconditionally by (His/Her) family.
(Full Name) was a bright light in the lives of everyone (He/She) met. (He/She) loved (Activities/Hobbies) and had a passion for life that was contagious. Though (He/She) was taken from us too soon, we will always cherish the memories we shared with (Him/Her).
We ask for privacy during this difficult time, as we come to terms with our loss.
Rest in peace, (Full Name). You will always be in our hearts.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Obituary Outline for Someone Who Died of Natural Causes
Dear friends and family,
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our (Relation/Friend), (Full Name), on (Date of Passing). (He/She) passed away peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones.
(Full Name) was born in (Place of Birth) in (Year of Birth) and lived a life of purpose and meaning. (He/She) was a beloved (Relation), always there to offer a helping hand and a listening ear. (He/She) loved (Hobbies/Activities) and enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Though (Full Name) has passed on, (He/She) will always be remembered for (His/Her) kindness, generosity and unwavering love. Our thoughts and prayers are with (His/Her) family and friends during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
(Your Name)
How to Write an Obituary: Tips and Tricks
Writing an obituary can be an emotional and daunting task. It’s important to honor the deceased, capture their essence, and convey their legacy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you write an obituary that celebrates the life of your loved one:
- Begin with the facts: Start by including the basics – name, age, date of birth, date of death, place of death, cause of death, and any special achievements or recognitions.
- Write a brief biography: Next, write a brief biography about the person’s life, hobbies, passions, and interests. Focus on their accomplishments, contributions to society, and positive impact on others.
- Include quotes or anecdotes: Adding quotes or anecdotes from family members, friends, or colleagues can help to personalize the obituary and give readers a glimpse into the person’s character.
- Don’t forget about family members: It’s important to include surviving family members in the obituary. Be sure to mention spouses, children, parents, siblings, and any other close relatives.
- Mention the location and time of the funeral: Provide details about the funeral or memorial service, including the date, time, and location. You can also include information about any special rituals or traditions that will be observed as part of the service.
- End with a meaningful conclusion: Wrap up the obituary with a meaningful conclusion that pays tribute to the person’s life and legacy. Consider using a favorite quote or poem, or simply expressing how much the person will be missed.
Remember, writing an obituary is a personal and unique process. Use these tips as a starting point, but ultimately, trust your instincts and write from the heart.
FAQs on How to Write an Obituary Outline
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, usually published in newspapers, online, or in funeral programs.
Why write an obituary?
An obituary serves as a way to inform the public of someone’s death and to celebrate their life accomplishments and contributions.
What should be included in an obituary outline?
An obituary outline should include the full name of the deceased, date and place of birth and death, their family members, their education and career history, and any hobbies or accomplishments they may have had.
How should the obituary be structured?
The obituary should be structured chronologically, starting with their early life and family background, followed by their education and career history, and ending with their personal interests and accomplishments.
How long should an obituary be?
An obituary can vary in length, but typically ranges from 200 to 500 words. However, some publications may have specific word count limitations.
Is it necessary to include a photo in the obituary?
Including a photo in the obituary is optional but recommended as it helps to personalize the notice and provide a visual reminder of the deceased.
Should the obituary be written in first or third person?
The obituary should be written in third person to maintain objectivity and avoid sounding too personal.
How do you handle sensitive information in an obituary?
If the death was due to a sensitive issue like suicide, drug overdose, or murder, it’s best to consult with the family before including such information in the obituary. Consider being respectful and discrete when including personal matters.
Can an obituary be written by someone outside the family?
Yes, an obituary can be written by someone outside the family. However, it’s important to gather as much information as possible from the family and double-check the accuracy of the details before publishing the obituary.
Remembering the Life of a Loved One
Writing an obituary can be a difficult task, but by following these simple steps, you can create a meaningful tribute to your loved one’s life. Remember to gather all necessary information, highlight their achievements, and share personal stories and memories. Whether you’re writing for a family member or a close friend, putting together an obituary provides an opportunity to celebrate their life and commemorate their legacy. Thank you for reading and please visit us again soon for more helpful tips and advice!