How to Write a Death Resolution for a Loved One
A death resolution, or eulogy speech, is similar to an obituary. The difference is that a person who knew the deceased through military service, work, or leadership positions usually writes a death resolution, which focuses on detailing public accomplishments rather than on personality or family characteristics.
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Instructions
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Compose and Organize Thoughts
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Freewrite the death resolution. That is, write down anything and everything that comes to mind about the person's life, occupations, activities, memberships, orders, societies and offices held, military service, education, interests, publications and awards. Don't edit. Just let an uninhibited free flow of ideas get down on paper. This is the best way to make sure nothing is forgotten. This is also how to know if there are gaps in information. Make notes and circle them as reminders to do some footwork, time allowing. If ideas occur out of order, write them down wherever they come up. Chronological order and organization are not important in this rough draft. It should be written by hand, not on a word processor or computer, because the action of putting pen to paper is less inhibiting and more likely to evoke deep memories. Once the rough draft is done, take a break and do something else for a while.
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Ask the funeral director or counselor for assistance. They can provide forms and examples that make things easier. Creative opinions can strike a chord as well. For example, Lizzie Davis, undertaker and author of "This is My Will: How to Write Obiographical Sketches," suggests that writers "remember how the person spoke and compose it as if the person is telling you his or her life story."
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Using the rough draft as notes, compose the first two paragraphs. If the death resolution will be read at a memorial service, introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased using their full name. Skip the introduction if publication is the only goal. Start by narratively listing the deceased's full name, date and place of birth, parents' names and spouse's full name (including maiden name), and date/place of marriage or how they met, if relevant. Details of what, when, and where of military service, church affiliation, orders, lodges and societies can overlap with the next section listing accomplishments, so keep it brief here. Name survivors and where they reside. The list of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cousins recognized might be lengthy. Davis writes that using terms such as "a host of nieces and nephews" is an acceptable way of avoiding omissions and shortening a death resolution; however, Davis believes it is "classier" to be able to name each and every one individually.
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Write the body of the death resolution. This is the place to list professional accomplishments. They may pertain to organizations listed in the first two paragraphs. Publications, awards, offices, and programs the deceased was responsible for belong in this section. You can include personal knowledge and remembrances of such endeavors, for example, "When we were working together on that project, I admired [the deceased's] attitude (or commitment) toward the people we met." Show, don't tell. The brilliance, caring or determination of the deceased will come alive in examples of those characteristics in action.
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Conclude the death resolution with how the community and those represented will feel the loss of this person. Normally this is brief, but it can also include wishes for the deceased's family. It might include a declaration of how the deceased will continue to be a part of everyday life, for instance, "Whenever I look up the hill and see the trees he planted (or the building she designed, or the smiles on the faces of those helped), the deceased's spirit (or memory, or what they stood for) will be honored." In writing a death resolution, whatever words are used to convey sincere affection and appreciation will be powerful and comforting to others.
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