Creating a touching eulogy that strikes the right chords can be challenging. Our Example Cousin Eulogy can provide the inspiration you need to honor your loved one.
Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,
We gather here today to celebrate the life and cherish the memory of an exceptional person - my great cousin, Justin. It is never easy to say goodbye, and it's especially difficult when it's someone as dear and cherished as Justin. Each of us here has been touched in some way by this gentle soul, and as we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and the many blessings he brought into ours.
Justin was the kind of person who possessed an innate sense of wisdom, an unyielding determination, and an unwavering kind spirit. He was like a beacon of light during life's most difficult moments, always operating with a level of humility, generosity, and integrity that inspired us all to become better versions of ourselves.
I can't help but feel an intense sadness at his passing, but I also find solace in knowing that Justin's spirit will live on through the memories we have of him and the impact he made on our lives. That's the great thing about the truly exceptional people in our lives - they never truly leave us. Their memory lingers in the lessons they taught us, the love they shared, and the life they lived so completely.
Write a clear, meaningful eulogy, without guesswork. This guide turns a difficult task into a manageable, step-by-step process so you can honor your loved one with accuracy, warmth, and confidence.
What you’ll learn
- How to gather the right memories and facts (fast)
- How to choose a structure for 3, 5–8, or 10+ minutes
- How to balance biography, story, and reflection—without oversharing
- How to match tone to audience (secular or faith-inclusive)
What’s inside
- Proven frameworks: time-boxed outlines you can follow line by line
- Real examples: concise, adaptable samples that show “what good looks like”
- Fill-in-the-blank template: personalize and produce a polished draft in one sitting
- Editing checklist: trim to time, tighten language, avoid common pitfalls
- Delivery playbook: rehearsal plan, pacing, and on-the-day prompts to steady your voice
Outcome: A respectful, well-structured eulogy that sounds like you, honors them, and supports everyone listening.
Write with clarity. Speak with confidence. Honor a life well.
One of the great poets, W.H. Auden, captured these feelings of loss so perfectly in his poem, "Funeral Blues." I would like to share a verse of this poem, which I think beautifully reflects our feelings today:
"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come."
Auden's words bring us together in our shared grief, but I think Justin would want us to remember the joy and love he brought into our lives as well. In honoring his memory, let us also honor the life he led - a life filled with laughter, friendship, and an unwavering dedication to family.
It's not often that we encounter someone like Justin, who made such a profound impact on so many aspects of our lives. He stepped in when times were tough and made us feel capable of surviving even the most difficult of hardships. He celebrated our successes, he comforted us during our losses, and he was often the steady voice of reason in the face of chaos.
We are all honored to have been a part of Justin's life, and we will cherish his memory when times are good and when they are difficult. Remember his smile, his words of wisdom, and the endless love he gave to each and every one of us. And as we say our goodbyes to him today, we can find comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace.
Rest in peace, dear Justin. You will always live on in our hearts and minds. We will love and miss you eternally.
Thank you all for being here to celebrate Justin's life and to support one another in this difficult time.
Write a clear, meaningful eulogy, without guesswork. This guide turns a difficult task into a manageable, step-by-step process so you can honor your loved one with accuracy, warmth, and confidence.
What you’ll learn
- How to gather the right memories and facts (fast)
- How to choose a structure for 3, 5–8, or 10+ minutes
- How to balance biography, story, and reflection—without oversharing
- How to match tone to audience (secular or faith-inclusive)
What’s inside
- Proven frameworks: time-boxed outlines you can follow line by line
- Real examples: concise, adaptable samples that show “what good looks like”
- Fill-in-the-blank template: personalize and produce a polished draft in one sitting
- Editing checklist: trim to time, tighten language, avoid common pitfalls
- Delivery playbook: rehearsal plan, pacing, and on-the-day prompts to steady your voice
Outcome: A respectful, well-structured eulogy that sounds like you, honors them, and supports everyone listening.
Write with clarity. Speak with confidence. Honor a life well.