How to Write a Eulogy for Your Colleague - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Speaking about a coworker after they die feels awkward and necessary at the same time. You want to honor the person, respect the workplace, and say something that rings true without over sharing. This guide gives a clear, usable method plus real examples and fill in the blank templates you can adapt right away. We explain any workplace terms or acronyms you might see and give delivery tips that actually work. Read through, pick a template, and start writing with confidence.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a colleague at a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, or a company gathering. Maybe you were the obvious pick because you worked closely with them. Maybe you were their manager or their desk neighbor. Maybe you were friends outside of work, but you also want to respect a professional setting. There are sample scripts for formal corporate tone, casual team gatherings, short virtual tributes, and complicated work relationships.

What is a eulogy for a colleague

A eulogy is a short speech that honors a person who has died. In the workplace context it often appears during a funeral, memorial, or a company hosted event. A eulogy is not an obituary. An obituary is a written notice with basic facts like dates and service information. A eulogy is personal. It is a story. It does not need to be perfect.

Common workplace terms and acronyms explained

• HR Human resources. The department that manages employee relations, benefits, time off, and often coordinates company responses to staff deaths.
• CEO Chief executive officer. The top executive of a company who may speak at a memorial or sign a company note.
• All hands A company meeting where everyone is invited. Sometimes memorials or tributes happen in this setting.
• Memorial A gathering to remember someone who has died. It can be formal or informal and may be hosted by family or employer.
• Celebration of life An alternative to a traditional funeral that focuses on stories, photos, and less formality.
• Obituary A published notice about a death that usually includes biographical details and service arrangements.

How long should a eulogy for a colleague be

For workplace events aim for two to five minutes. Short and clear is better than long and vague. Two to five minutes is usually 250 to 700 spoken words. If the company is coordinating multiple speakers ask for a time limit so the event fits into calendars and everyone has space.

Before you start writing

Preparation makes everything easier and keeps the tribute appropriate for both family and coworkers.

• Check with family and HR Confirm what tone the family would like and whether they want workplace stories shared. HR can advise on company practice and any policies to follow.
• Confirm time and format Know how long you are expected to speak and whether the event is in person or virtual.
• Decide the tone Do you want the tribute to be formal, warm and casual, or lightly humorous? Match the tone to the person and the family s wishes.
• Gather material Collect dates, projects, nicknames, small stories, and favorite sayings. Ask teammates for one memory each and pick the ones that illustrate the person.
• Choose three focus points Pick three things you want people to remember. Three keeps the message tight and memorable.

Structure that works

A clear shape helps listeners follow and helps you stay focused.

• Opening Say who you are and why you are speaking. Offer one sentence that sets the tone.
• Work and life sketch Give a brief overview of the colleague s role and one or two human details about them. Avoid long resumes.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that reveal character and show how this person mattered at work.
• Impact and traits Summarize the values they brought to the team and what others will miss.
• Closing Offer a brief goodbye line, invite a moment of silence, or suggest a small action like sharing a memory in chat or writing a note to the family.

Writing the opening

Open with your name and relationship to the colleague. That gives the audience context and buys you a breath to settle. Keep the opening one or two lines and let it be human.

Opening examples

• Hi everyone. I am Jordan from product. I had the privilege of working with Maya for five years and I am honored to say a few words today.
• Hello. My name is Priya. I managed Sam for three years. Sam made spreadsheets tolerable and meetings faster. I d like to share what I learned from them.
• Good afternoon. I am Aidan in operations and I sat next to Luis for seven coffee runs. He will be deeply missed by our team and beyond.

How to write the work and life sketch

This is not a CV. Pick facts that matter for the story you want to tell. Mention role and tenure and then give one or two personal details that humanize them.

Work sketch templates

• [Name] joined [company or team] in [year] as a [role]. They loved [hobby], never missed a Monday stand up, and could fix a printer with a stare.
• [Name] worked in [department]. Outside work they were a [role in family or hobby]. At the office they were known for [quirky habit or trademark].

Anecdotes that matter

People remember stories more than statements. Anecdotes ground your speech. Keep them short, sensory, and with a small payoff. A good workplace story has a setup, a small conflict or challenge, and a line about why it mattered to the team.

Short anecdote examples

• When our release was at risk, Jamie stayed until after midnight, rewrote the failing test, and then made us all hot chocolate. That one night saved the launch and gave the team a memory of care and grit.
• Sara would decorate her calendar with tiny doodles. One time she drew a tiny dinosaur on my onboarding doc and I kept it as a reminder that work can be warm and human.
• Every Friday Carlos played three songs to celebrate the week. They were the cheesiest songs, and they made the whole open office stop and laugh together.

Addressing complicated workplace relationships

Work relationships can be messy. If your relationship with the deceased was complicated you can still speak honestly and with dignity. Focus on truth and intention. Do not air private grievances or details that could be harmful to others.

Examples for complicated situations

• We did not always agree on process. They pushed back on decisions in a way that made the team better prepared. I am grateful for the higher bar they set.
• Our working relationship had rough patches. In the end they taught me to be clearer with expectations and to listen more. That matters more than our disagreements now.
• We had different styles, and I learned from their stubbornness. It was not always easy, but it made me better at my job.

Using workplace humor the right way

Humor can give permission to breathe. Use small, earned jokes not inside jokes that exclude people. Avoid anything that might embarrass the family or create HR concerns.

Safe humor examples

• They believed strongly in snacks as a productivity tool. They were the reason our snack budget exists. I think the team s morale rose by 12 percent on days donuts appeared.
• They had a talent for renaming every project. We still call Project Atlas by the nickname they gave it and it makes us smile inside meetings.

What to avoid in a workplace eulogy

• Avoid gossip or anything that could open legal or HR issues.
• Avoid salary figures, disciplinary matters, or confidential client details.
• Avoid long lists of job duties without stories that make them human.
• Avoid humor that could embarrass the family or single out a coworker in a harmful way.
• Avoid making the eulogy a place to settle workplace scores or air grievances.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are complete examples that follow the structure above. Replace bracketed text with your details and adjust tone as needed.

Example 1 Manager tribute, 3 to 4 minute version

Hello. I am Elena, director of marketing. I had the privilege of working with Marcus for six years.

Marcus joined our team in 2018 as a senior copywriter and became the person we turned to when a message needed to be warm and real. Outside work he loved running and photographing the city. At the office he had a habit of bringing in weird snacks for Tuesday brainstorming sessions and testing bad puns on anyone nearby.

One story that shows who Marcus was came in 2021 when our campaign hit a roadblock. Marcus stayed late, rewrote three confusing lines, and then sat down with the junior writer to walk through a better way to tell the story. He did not take credit publicly. He did it so the junior writer would feel capable the next time.

Marcus taught us how to make room for people in our work. He cared about craft and about the person behind the email. We will miss his laugh in the hallway and the way he could make a draft feel human without losing clarity. If you have a quick Marcus story, please share it with the family or with HR so we can collect them. Thank you.

Example 2 Close coworker and friend, 2 to 3 minute version

Hi everyone. I am Devon. I sat next to Lila for four years. She was the person who would lend you a charger, say exactly the right compliment, and bring homemade cookies on testing day.

My favorite Lila story is about our weekly error party. When a bug hit production she would clap her hands and make it into a five minute celebration of what we learned. It turned stress into a shared problem solving moment. That was Lila. She made the team feel like a team.

We will miss her cookie recipes and the soft way she told you to take your lunch break. Thank you for being here and for holding space with us.

Example 3 Light and slightly humorous team tribute

Good afternoon. I am Omar from engineering. If you met Nina you know she had two obsessions. Number one was her houseplant collection. Number two was naming every container in our build pipeline. She once named a failing service after a villain in a movie and we never forgot it.

Nina taught us to take things seriously but not ourselves. She made stand ups shorter and our Linux jokes louder. Today we remember her sharp mind and her constant willingness to help. Please take a moment to log your favorite Nina story in the shared document the team s created. Thank you.

Example 4 Complicated workplace relationship, honest and respectful

Hello. My name is Sam. My relationship with Claire was not simple. We clashed on strategy and we sometimes argued in public. That friction pushed both of us to think harder and to be clearer.

Claire held the team to high standards. I did not always like it, but I respected it. In the end she made the product better and she made me a better manager. I am grateful for the chance to have worked with her. Thank you.

Example 5 Short virtual memorial tribute under two minutes

Hi. I am Pri. For anyone who worked with Arun remotely you know he was always on point and always on mute at the wrong time. Arun loved Friday playlists and our monthly virtual trivia nights. He made remote work feel human. We will miss him. Please stick around in the chat to share a memory or drop a photo. Thank you.

Fill in the blank templates

Fill in the blanks and edit until it sounds like you. Read out loud and trim anything that feels forced.

Template A Classic short corporate

My name is [Your Name]. I worked with [Name] in [department] for [time]. [Name] was [role or core trait]. One memory that shows who they were is [brief story]. They taught us [value or lesson]. We will miss [what the team will miss]. Thank you for being here and for supporting the family and the team.

Template B Manager tribute

Hello. I am [Your Name], [title]. [Name] joined the team in [year]. They led [project or responsibility] and did so with [trait]. One example of their leadership is [story]. Their legacy at work will be [impact]. Please join me in a moment of silence and in sending our condolences to their family.

Template C Close coworker and friend

Hi. I am [Your Name]. [Name] was my teammate and friend. They loved [hobby], could always find the missing semicolon, and made the office feel like a home. My favorite memory is [short story]. I will miss their [trait]. Thank you for being here.

Template D For complicated relationships

My name is [Your Name]. My relationship with [Name] was complicated. We argued and we grew. I learned [lesson]. In remembering them today I hold both the hard and the good. Thank you.

Practical tips for delivery

Speaking while grieving is hard. These practical tactics help you stay steady and professional.

• Print a copy Use large font. Printed pages are easier to manage than phones during emotion.
• Use cue cards Index cards with one or two lines on each card reduce the chance of losing your place.
• Mark pauses Put a bracket or an underline where you want to breathe. Pauses give you time to regroup and let the message land.
• Practice out loud Read to a trusted teammate or a mirror. Practicing helps your voice find the right pace.
• Bring tissues and water Small comforts matter. If you need a moment people will wait.
• Coordinate with someone Arrange with a teammate to introduce you or to step in if you cannot finish.
• Mic technique Keep the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak at a normal volume. If there is no mic, speak slowly and project to the back of the room.
• Virtual tips Mute notifications, test your camera and mic, and have your text visible in a window so you can read and also maintain eye contact when you can.

When you think you will cry while speaking

If tears come, that is normal. Pause, breathe, look at your notes, and then continue. If your voice breaks, slow down. Saying fewer words more slowly is often more powerful. You are allowed to be human in that room with your colleagues.

How to include readings, music, and workplace rituals

Short readings work best. If you include a poem, pick a two to four line excerpt. For music choose a song that was meaningful to the colleague or that matches the tone of the event. For workplace rituals consider a moment of silence, a shared donation, or a memory board where employees can post photos and notes.

Ideas for workplace rituals

• Set up a memory board in a common area or a shared online document for remote teams.
• Collect donations to a charity the person supported and announce it briefly in the eulogy.
• Host a brief company wide email from leadership with a link to resources for grief counseling if available through employee benefits.

Logistics and who to tell

• Tell HR and the family if you plan to speak so everyone is on the same page.
• Confirm with the event organizer where you will stand and how long you may speak.
• Provide a copy of your remarks to the person running the event in case it is needed for program or records.
• Check accessibility needs including seating, captioning for virtual events, or printed copies for those who need them.

Checklist before you step up to speak

• Confirm your time limit with HR or the family.
• Print your speech with large font and bring a backup copy.
• Practice at least three times out loud.
• Mark pauses and emotional beats in your copy.
• Bring tissues and a glass of water if allowed.
• Coordinate a small signal with a teammate in case you need help finishing.

Recording the eulogy and sharing it

Ask family permission before posting a recording online. Some families want privacy. If sharing is approved, provide a short note about where donations may go if the family requested them and be mindful of the colleague s privacy.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who died.
• Obituary A written notice that announces a death and usually includes service details.
• HR Human resources. The team that supports employees and often coordinates company responses to staff deaths.
• Order of service The schedule for a funeral or memorial listing readings, music, and speakers.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that often focuses on stories and photos instead of ritual.
• All hands A meeting where the whole company is invited. Memorials can sometimes take place during an all hands if appropriate.
• RSVP From the French respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is used on invitations to ask people to confirm attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy for my colleague if I am nervous

Start with your name and your role on the team. A short opening like Hello I am [Your Name] from [team] helps ground you and the audience. Practice that line until it feels steady. Then say one true sentence about your colleague and continue from there.

What if I forget my place or become too emotional

Pause, breathe, and look at your notes. If you cannot continue, have a designated person ready to finish a line. Many organizations plan for someone to step in so the service can proceed smoothly. People will be patient.

Can I include humor in a workplace eulogy

Yes, as long as it is kind and accessible to everyone. Avoid inside jokes that exclude others. A small funny story that shows character often helps people relax and remember the person warmly.

Should I check with HR before speaking

Yes. HR can advise about family wishes, company policy, and whether any content might be inappropriate for a company event. They can also help with logistics.

How long should a tribute be at a company event

Two to five minutes is usually appropriate for workplace events. If multiple people are speaking coordinate lengths so the event fits the planned schedule.

What should I avoid saying publicly

Avoid confidential matters, legal details, salary information, personnel issues, and private family matters. If you are unsure whether something belongs in public, check with HR or the family first.

How can remote teams participate in a memorial

Use a shared online document or message board for memories and photos. Host a virtual call with a moment of silence and a few short speakers. Record the call for people in other time zones if the family permits sharing.

Is it okay to give the eulogy to the company to include in a program

Yes. Provide a copy to HR or the event organizer. They may include it in a program or memory book if the family approves.