Eulogy for a father: sample and template
A warm, structured eulogy for a father you can adapt for the funeral service or print in the programme.
Eulogy
[Full name] was born on [date] in [village], [county], the [first] son of the late [father's name] and [mother's name]. He grew up herding his father's cattle before school and, as he liked to remind us, walking six kilometres each way to [primary school].
He joined [secondary school] in [year] and later trained as a [profession] at [college]. In [year] he began his career at [employer], where he served for [number] years and retired as [position]. Colleagues remember a man who arrived early, left late and never raised his voice.
In [year] he married our mother, [mother's name], and together they built a home in [place] that was open to every relative who needed a bed and a plate of food. Dad believed that education was the one inheritance no one could take away, and he made sacrifices we only understood as adults to see all [number] of us through school.
He was a faithful member of [church], where he served as [role]. On Sunday afternoons you would find him in his shamba, radio tuned to the news, planning everyone's week.
In [month, year] Dad was diagnosed with [illness]. He faced it with the same quiet courage he showed all his life, and on [date] he went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family.
He leaves behind his wife, [name]; his children [names]; [number] grandchildren; his siblings [names]; and a large extended family and community. Dad, you taught us to work hard, to be honest and to look after one another. We will. Rest in peace.
Put it in a printable programme
Tips
- Ask his siblings and old friends for one story each. One true story is worth ten adjectives.
- Mention the small things: his radio, his sayings, his favourite meal.
- Keep the illness section short and gentle.
How do you write a eulogy for a Father?
Follow their life in order: birth and early life, education, work, family, faith and character, a brief and gentle word on their passing, and a farewell. Add one or two true stories. Ask his siblings and old friends for one story each. One true story is worth ten adjectives.
How long should a eulogy be?
When read aloud, about five to seven minutes, or 700 to 900 words. In a printed programme it can be a little longer.