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How to Write an Obituary
Writing an obituary is both a great honor — and a great responsibility…
The person writing an obituary is being asked to create a document that is going to be read by many,
many people. It will be read in newspapers for several weeks, and on the internet far into the future.
It will be read by family members, loved ones, friends, acquaintances and many others who are
simply interested in reading about neighbors who have passed away. For most authors, the obituary
will be the most read piece of writing they have ever done – or ever will do.
Despite the above factors, most people who are called upon to compose an obituary are utterly
unprepared to do so. And while there is a growing list of resources to support the novice obituary
author, there is still a profound lack of practical, helpful, easy-to-use assistance.
Stevenson & Sons has prepared this document to help people who are called upon to create an
obituary. It is designed to provide practical support in an easy to follow and use manner. Examples
are provided, when they are appropriate.
Please note that all of the following steps do not have to be included. If all of the steps are included,
it constitutes an
exceptional
obituary. Many times, an obituary must be much, much shorter due to
any number of factors; including the inability to contact friends and relatives from early years.
Provide the readers of the obituary you write with whatever you can.
Instructions on How to Write an Obituary
Paragraph: The deceased's entire name.
This includes nicknames, middle names and extensions
such a Jr., Sr. and III
.
EXAMPLE: William "Will" Harold Johnson, Sr.
• • • • •
Paragraph: The deceased's death information.
This includes the date (and approximate time, if
available) of death; the location of the death and the cause of death. It is preferable, when
applicable, to include the age at death and a personal comment such as "surrounded by family" or
"comforted by his wife."
NB: Sometimes it is desirable to omit the cause of death – such as
when death came as a result of extreme violence, or the carrying out of a court sentence
.
EXAMPLE: On the evening of May 15, 2012, Will passed away at St. John's Hospital in Billings, MT
as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident earlier that day. Will was 75 years old.