Whether you’re writing an obituary for yourself or someone else, it’s essential to know its history. Not only can this give you some insight into the subject’s life, but it can also give you a better understanding of how to write a meaningful obituary.
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Historical context
During the Industrial Revolution, obituaries were a dime a dozen. Aside from the apparent obits, a handful of notable men and women of the time graced the pages of a slew of dusty obituaries. The notable names include the likes of John Greenleaf, John Bell, and William Smith, the latter of which would be the subject of a subsequent obituary or two. The trio, as mentioned earlier, died in the trenches, while others were the beneficiaries of their philanthropy. In short, obituaries aren’t for the faint of heart. This is particularly true if you were one of the unlucky few who were not part of a familial dispute.
Nevertheless, such an arduous task is made much easier with the advent of the Internet. Appropriately using obituaries can be a swell way to pay tribute to a loved one. In other words, obituaries may be akin to the fabled golden arches of your favorite pair of twins.
Modern obituaries
Obituaries like the Chicago Tribune obituaries archives free are an important part of memorializing a loved one. They provide a personal glimpse into a person’s life. While there are many different types of obituaries, they all share similar features. These features are designed to tell the story of a person’s life engagingly.
Modern obituaries have evolved from traditional biographical statistics to a complete description of the person’s life. They are more personalized and easier to write than ever before. In addition, they can be shared with family and friends. They can also be published online.
These obituaries should not be interpreted as a “cover letter” for a deceased family member. They should contain basic biographical details and information about the dead’s hobbies and interests. It is not enough to list the person’s favorite sports teams.
If the deceased was a humor lover, consider adding humor to their obituary. You can incorporate a witty story about their life or tell funny anecdotes.
If you are writing the obituary for a child, list the number of children the deceased had. This vital statistic can help you decide how much detail to include in the obituary.
Similarly, a meaningful obituary should mention at least two achievements the deceased had in their lifetime. These achievements should include something the person did to make a difference in the world.
Common obituary examples
Whether you’re writing your own obituary or submitting one to a local newspaper, it’s essential to consider how to craft your own obituary. While writing an obituary is not always easy, there are some common examples to help you out.
A good example of a well-written obituary is that of Fletcher Allen Fregin. The obituary offers helpful details about the deceased’s life, including his personality.
Another example is that of Richard “Magoo” Gates. His obituary details his many interests, including sports, family reunions, and hobbies. The obituary also shows his passion for the family business.
An obituary for a young adult is slightly different than for older people. A significant other may be listed on the list, and the deceased’s ex might have played a key role in the person’s life. If so, it’s important to remember that you need to respect that individual’s privacy.
While writing an obituary is a great way to share memories of your loved one, it’s not always easy. Some obituaries can be too factual, and some can overlook the impact of the individual’s life.
Fortunately, many free obituary templates are available to fill in the details of a loved one. These obituaries are written with love and offer a great way to honor a friend’s or family member’s life.
Writing an obituary
Whether you’re writing an obituary for a loved one or commemorating a life, there are many things you should include. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to add photographs and special messages. You may also have a word limit.
Before writing your obituary, ask a family member or friend who knows the deceased for details. Some people include a short prayer, a funeral poem, or a special message.
During your writing, including information about the deceased’s personality, accomplishments, and favorite hobbies. It would help if you also had a photograph of the deceased.
Choose a clear photo if you plan to have photographs in your obituary. An unclear picture can lead to readers needing clarification and understanding of your obituary. You should also include important events in the person’s life.
You should include the deceased’s full name and date of death. You should also mention the location of the person’s birth and death, the cause of their death, and the burial date. You should include the names of any children and grandchildren who survived the death.
You should also include details of the deceased’s funeral and memorial services. If the obituary is published in a newspaper, ensure the article consists of the correct spelling and abbreviations.