We Know How Hard This Is

Losing your grandfather is deeply painful. Whether he was your mentor, your champion, your source of stories and wisdom, or all of these and more, the world feels emptier without him. Writing his eulogy during this heartbreaking time may feel overwhelming, and that's completely understandable.

You might be worried about finding the right words, about breaking down in front of everyone, or about capturing the strength and love he represented. 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 grandfather is your chance to celebrate the man who helped shape your family's story. 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 voice and the lessons he taught
• The stories he told about the past and the wisdom he shared
• The traditions he kept and the memories he created
• The values he lived by and passed down
• 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 in his own way?
• What parts of him do you see in yourself or your family?

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 mattered to him.
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 grandfather 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 grandfather 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 wise," but "he taught me how to fish and told me stories while we waited for a bite." Not "he was strong," but "he worked until he was 75 and never complained."

Use his actual words when you can. His favorite sayings, his advice, the nicknames he used. 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 valued
• 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 grandfather 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 grandfather would be proud of you for trying.