Colleague Funeral Tribute Example - Oupa

The Colleague Funeral Tribute Example assists you in honoring your loved one with a fitting tribute during this difficult time.

Ladies and gentlemen

We are gathered here today not just to mourn the loss of our beloved colleague, but also to commemorate a life dedicated to service, hard work, conviviality and fraternity. Today, we pay our respects to Oupa Moloi, a man of exceptional character.

Oupa was known for many things, but one of his most remarkable attributes was his unwavering dedication. As a driver, Oupa held an essential role in our team. He was not just the man behind the wheel, navigating difficult roads and bearing the responsibility of our safety. Oupa was the bedrock of our organization, a constant and steady presence that carried us through the day, physically and metaphorically.

He was not just a driver; he was a custodian of trust. He was never late, always ensuring that we were where we needed to be at precisely the right time. Rain or shine, good days and bad, Oupa was there.

But it was not merely his dedication at work that made him outstanding. What truly set him apart was his ability to infuse camaraderie and kindness into our daily routines. Oupa had an amazing affinity for bringing life, energy and joy into our work environment. His laughter was infectious; his optimism a beacon of hope, particularly during challenging times. His endless stories on our journeys made every drive seem shorter and our burdens lighter. And as we grieve today, his spirit continues to bring us together, reminding us of a shared purpose, shared memories, and shared laughter.

As we remember him, let's recite a poem by David Harkins that I believe encapsulates his life beautifully:

He is not the valley where the river flows,
Nor yet the star that tops the tree,
And when he sees the rainbow in the morning,
Remember, he is not there.
He is a thousand winds that blow,
He is the snowflake that kisses your nose,
He is the sunlight on ripened grain,
He is the gentle autumn’s rain,
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
Remember, he is not there.
He is the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
He is the star that shines at night.
Do not stand at his grave and cry,
He is not there. He did not die.

This poem exhorts us not to see death as an end, but as a transformation into something ethereal and eternal. Oupa is now the wind that guides us, the star that shines for us in the darkest night.

And so, we give our final salute to Oupa Moloi - a dedicated driver, a dependable colleague, and a dear friend. We will miss his laughter, his stories, his guiding hand, and his indomitable spirit. May he rest in peace, knowing that he has left an indelible print on our hearts and minds.

Today, as we say our goodbyes, let's honor Oupa by embracing the virtues he embodied - service to others, hard work, camaraderie, and love for life. Let us not just walk through life, but, as Oupa did, drive with purpose and determination, and make our journey meaningful, for ourselves and for those who journey with us.

Thank you.