Tips to write an OBITUARY - A LAYMAN’S guide to pay tribute to loved one's

Loss and grief caused by death of a family member or someone dear to us is irreversible, irreparable and irrevocable. However, they become an integral part of our memories and remembrance. The best way to show our gratitude and offer humble condolence is by writing a good obituary for them.  This simple article will help you to understand the basics of obituary writing and how you can pay humble tribute to your loved ones.

The basic obituary details should include:

• Full name of the deceased

• Age

• Date of Birth

• City and state of residence where they were living when they passed away

• Time, date and place of viewing, burial, funeral arrangements

Other details you might want to include:

• Parents' names and residences

• Spouse Name

• Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's names and residences

• Special pets

• Activities--Include churches, clubs, organizations, volunteer groups, hobbies and other things that were important to your loved one.

• Vocation and places of employment

• Notable accomplishments

• Degrees and schools attended

• Military service

• Date of marriage

• Personality traits and anecdotes

• Military service

• How they died

• Memorable moments

• Where people should make a memorial contribution

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TIPS TO WRITE AN OBITUARY

• Research and find out intimate things about the person. Their dreams, aspirations and motivations. Also how they motivated and inspired others during their life time. You might also include any witty incidence about that person which will add some light moments in the obituary.

• Beauty lies in perfection of details. Ensure that their Name, date of birth, family member details and other important details included are correct and there are no spelling or grammatical errors in the obituary.

• Ask family members, relatives and friends regarding hobbies, sports, interesting details about the person which will help you in knowing more about life of the deceased.

• You can add some interesting snaps, audio or videos which will not only make the obituary lively but also make memories alive.

• List compete details of funeral i.e. Time, day, Date and Venue of the funeral. Also, for convenience of readers you should mention name and contact details of person in charge of funeral arrangements.

• One of the best ways to conclude the obituary is by sharing about their life’s unfinished agenda or mission which they would have liked to accomplish during their life time but somehow could not achieve. This can include helping in their Will execution or support to their charity programs. You can invite others to come forward and join hands to achieve those unrealized goals and missions. This will be an excellent tribute and respect towards the deceased.

Finally to summarise, here is a beautiful quote by Steve Jobs on Death

“Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.

Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. 

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. 

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet, death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it, and that is how it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It's life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.”

AUTHOR – Indar is an upcoming author, blogger, motivator and influencer. His articles and blogs have featured in different websites, blogs and magazines.  He has written interesting and informative articles on various subjects including Shipping and Logistics also.