We Know How Hard This Is

Losing your dad is one of life's most painful experiences. Whether he was your hero, your best friend, your guide, or all of these and more, the weight of his absence can feel unbearable. Writing his eulogy during this heartbreaking time may seem overwhelming, and that's completely understandable.

You might be worried about finding the right words, about breaking down in front of everyone, or about doing justice to a lifetime of memories. These fears are natural. Take a deep breath. You don't have to be perfect. You just need to speak from your heart.

Understanding the Purpose

A eulogy for your father is your chance to celebrate the man who shaped your life. It's a space to share what made him special, to let others see him through your eyes, and to keep his memory alive in the hearts of everyone who loved him. This isn't about a perfect speech. It's about love, remembrance, and saying goodbye.

Getting Started

Give Yourself Grace

First, know this: however you're feeling right now is okay. Grief has no timeline, and there's no "right way" to do this. Some days writing might feel impossible. That's normal. Take breaks when you need them.

Reflect on His Life

When you're ready, think about the moments that defined your relationship:

• The sound of his laugh and the warmth of his hugs
• The advice he gave you that still echoes in your mind
• The little things he did that made you feel loved
• The values he lived by and taught you
• The quirks and habits that were uniquely his

Gather Your Thoughts

These questions might help unlock memories:

• What would you want him to know if you could tell him one more time?
• What story about him always makes you smile, even now?
• How did he show his love, even if he wasn't always good with words?
• What parts of him do you see in yourself?

Structure Your Eulogy

There's no perfect formula, but having a gentle structure can help when words feel hard to find:

1. Opening – Thank everyone for being there. Acknowledge the pain you're all feeling together.
2. Introduction – Share who he was to you and what defined his character.
3. Personal Stories – Tell 2 or 3 stories that capture his spirit. These moments matter most.
4. His Heart – Describe what he valued, how he loved, what made him laugh.
5. Impact & Legacy – How he shaped you and others. What he leaves behind.
6. Closing – Your final words to him. It's okay if tears come.

Writing Tips

Be Authentic

Speak the way you naturally speak. Use your own words, not fancy language that doesn't sound like you. Your dad knew your voice. Use it to remember him.

Let yourself feel. If emotion wells up while writing or speaking, that's beautiful. It shows love. Everyone there understands because they're grieving too.

If your dad had a sense of humor, share that side of him. Laughter through tears can be healing.

Keep It Personal

The most meaningful eulogies are filled with specific details. Not "he was kind," but "he always saved the biggest piece of cake for me." Not "he was strong," but "he carried me on his shoulders through every parade, even when his back ached."

Use his actual words when you can. His favorite sayings, his advice, the pet names he called you. These details bring him back into the room, just for a moment.

Remember Your Audience

Aim for 5 to 10 minutes. That might feel short, but it's enough to say what matters. Everyone there is grieving too, and briefer can be more powerful.

This eulogy is for everyone who loved him, but it's also for you. It's part of your goodbye.

Preparing to Deliver

Practice reading it aloud, even though it will hurt. This helps you know where the hardest parts are.

Print it in large font. Bring two copies in case tears blur the words.

Ask someone you trust to be ready to step in if you can't continue. There's no shame in that. The attempt alone shows your love.

During the eulogy, take your time. Pause when you need to. Look up and see the faces of people who loved him too. You're not alone in this.

Everyone there is supporting you. They understand. No one expects perfection. They just want to remember him with you.

What to Include

Include what feels right:

• Specific memories that make him real again, even briefly
• His quirks, his laugh, the things that made him uniquely him
• How he made you feel loved and safe
• His own words and wisdom
• Humor, if it fits who he was

You might want to avoid:

• Trying to cover his entire life story (choose meaningful moments instead)
• Inside references that will confuse most people
• Family conflicts or pain that overshadows the good
• Apologies or regrets (save those for private moments)
• Anything that doesn't feel true to who he really was

You Can Do This

We know this is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. The pain of losing your dad doesn't go away, but finding words to remember him can be part of your healing.

Our templates below provide gentle structure and prompts to help you when you're struggling to find words. They're starting points filled with love and understanding. You'll add your stories, your memories, your voice.

Take your time. Be kind to yourself. Your dad would be proud of you for trying.