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

Writing a eulogy for your employer feels different from writing one for family or friends. There is professional context, workplace dynamics, and sometimes legal or company expectations to consider. You want to honor the person, represent your team, and say something that feels honest without oversharing. This guide gives a clear step by step method, practical examples you can adapt, and specific language that works in business settings. We explain terms you might not know and give sample speeches that fit a variety of workplace relationships.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about their employer at a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, or company remembrance. Maybe you are a direct report who worked closely with them. Maybe you are an executive asked to represent the leadership team. Maybe you are a small business employee who shared a personal bond with the owner. This guide gives examples for formal memorials, casual celebrations of life, and short remarks at an office gathering.

What is a eulogy for an employer

A eulogy is a short speech that honors a person who has died. A eulogy for an employer blends personal memory with professional context. It usually appears during a funeral or a company event. It is not the same thing as a formal obituary or a press release. An obituary is a factual notice. A eulogy is a story told by someone who knew the person and wants to share a little of who they were and why they mattered.

Terms you might see

• Obituary A published notice about a death that includes biographical details and service information.
• Company statement A public message issued by the employer or company that often includes practical information about services or business continuity.
• Human resources The company department that manages employee relations benefits and compliance. They may advise on what is appropriate to say publicly.
• Memorial fund A fund set up to honor the deceased. It may support a charity or a company scholarship in their name.
• Celebration of life A less formal event focused on storytelling photos and remembrances rather than ritual.
• Legacy project A company initiative created to honor the person s contributions such as a training program or a scholarship.

Before you start writing

Preparation matters even more in workplace settings. Use this quick plan before you write.

• Check company guidance Ask HR or the person coordinating the event if there are guidelines about language or topics to avoid.
• Confirm the audience Will you be speaking to family only to coworkers or to a public audience that may include clients and vendors? Adjust tone accordingly.
• Decide the tone Should the remarks be formal and restrained or warm and conversational? Check with close colleagues or the family.
• Gather material Collect anecdotes dates projects and nicknames. Ask peers for a short memory each to broaden your perspective.
• Choose two or three focus points Pick a small number of themes to keep your speech tight and memorable. Good themes include leadership style mentorship impact and personality.

How long should your remarks be

Short and specific usually works best in a professional setting. Aim for two to five minutes for a company gathering and three to seven minutes for a formal funeral service. Longer speeches can feel like performance. Focus on one or two stories that show character and impact.

Structure that works

Use a simple structure so listeners can follow along and you can stay calm.

• Opening Say who you are and your relationship to the person. A single line sets the frame.
• Professional life sketch Summarize their role and contributions to the company or industry in plain language.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that reveal character and leadership in action.
• Impact Mention what they taught others the projects they shaped or the ways they changed the workplace.
• Closing Offer a farewell line a brief quote or a call to action such as supporting a memorial fund or continuing a program in their name.

Writing the opening

The opening should be clear and calm. Start with your name and why you are speaking. Then add a one sentence line about what the person meant to you or to the company.

Opening examples

• Hello. My name is Jordan and I was the head of product working with Alex for seven years. I am honored to say a few words about him today.
• Good afternoon. I am Priya. I led the marketing team and I had the privilege of partnering closely with Maya. Today we remember her generosity and fierce curiosity.
• Hi everyone. I am Omar. I was the operations manager for the last five years and I want to share a small story that shows the way Rita ran this place.

How to write the professional life sketch

The life sketch should give context without reading a resume. Focus on roles contributions and the person s approach to work. Keep it short and factual and use plain language.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] joined [company] in [year] as a [role]. Over [time period] they led [teams or projects] and were known for [trait].
• [Name] started the business in [year]. They built the company on a belief that [core value]. They hired for curiosity and modeled resilience in hard times.
• [Name] worked across departments and always made time to mentor junior staff. They took pride in teaching and in celebrating others work.

Anecdotes that matter at work

Work stories are not about bragging. They are about showing character in action. Pick one anecdote that is specific sensory and short. A good choice is a story where the person made a decision or acted in a way that reveals their values.

Examples of short workplace anecdotes

• During a big product launch in 2019 everything was falling apart. She stayed calm and spent the night in the office making coffee for everyone and rewriting emails until dawn. We shipped and we learned how to lean on each other.
• He used to walk the floor every Friday and ask three people what they were working on. He did not do it to check up on us. He did it because he wanted to know how to remove obstacles.
• When a junior designer made a mistake in front of the client she took responsibility with them and credited the redesign to their idea. That single act taught the team how to fail and recover with dignity.

Addressing tricky workplace dynamics

Journeys with an employer can be messy. You do not need to gloss over complexity. You can be honest while staying respectful. If there were disagreements or public controversies keep your focus on lessons learned and on the person s humanity.

Examples for complex situations

• Our relationship with Marco was not always easy. He pushed hard and he asked a lot. In the end his standards made us better and his apologies made us understand his intentions. I will remember both his rigor and his regret.
• There were times she could be blunt and impatient. She was also the person who taught many of us to take risks and to own our mistakes. Those lessons helped me grow professionally and personally.
• If you feel you must address public issues check with the family or HR about what the family is comfortable with. Keep the remark focused on human impact rather than legal or procedural detail.

Using humor in a workplace eulogy

Small gentle humor can help people breathe. Avoid jokes that single out employees or that could be seen as unprofessional. Use a short anecdote that makes everyone smile and then return to a sincere line.

Safe workplace humor examples

• He had a unique calendar system. If he blocked your calendar it meant he needed coffee not a meeting. I will miss his coffee requests and his legendary meeting notes.
• She insisted every email include a one line summary. We complained then we started writing better emails. That one line changed the way we work and it saved us hours.

What to avoid in a eulogy for your employer

• Avoid airing internal disputes or confidential company matters.
• Avoid speaking for the family unless you have their permission.
• Avoid exaggeration and corporate buzzwords that hide meaning.
• Avoid jokes that could embarrass employees clients or vendors.
• Avoid making the speech about yourself more than about the person who died.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are complete examples that fit different workplace relationships. Replace bracketed text with your details and practice them out loud.

Example 1: Direct report eulogy for a beloved manager three to four minute version

Hello. I am Maya and I led the support team that Jason started and then trusted me to run. Jason joined our company twelve years ago and built the culture that still guides us. He believed that every customer call mattered and that people were worth more than metrics. He led with curiosity not ego.

One story that captures Jason is the time our servers crashed on Thanksgiving. He could have left early to be with his family. Instead he stayed and made sure everyone had dinner delivered and a warm place to rest before we fixed things. He taught us to show up for each other first and for customers second. That kind of care became the backbone of our team.

Jason mentored dozens of people. He pushed us to explain our ideas simply and to take responsibility for outcomes. That made us better professionals. We will miss his honest feedback his ridiculous collection of novelty socks and the way he asked about your weekend and really meant it. Thank you for everything Jason.

Example 2: Short company leader tribute under two minutes

Good morning. I am Liza and I am the interim CEO. Many of you know how much Sam meant to this company. He founded it on a belief that work should be fair and that good products come from diverse teams. Today we honor his vision we honor his family and we commit to carrying forward the values he set in motion.

Example 3: Small business employee tribute informal tone

Hi everyone. I am Ramon. I worked the morning shift with Maria at the bakery for five years. Maria ran the shop with two rules. One be kind. Two if you try one of her scones be honest about loving it. She believed that small kindnesses add up and that a stable job could change a life. She took care of people and the city felt warmer because of her. We will miss her laugh and the way she guarded the morning oven like it was a national treasure.

Example 4: Tribute for a founder at a formal memorial

Hello. My name is Dr. Chen and I serve on the board. [Founder s name] dreamed of a company that would last beyond any single person. Under their leadership we grew from a small pilot to a global program that has improved tens of thousands of lives. They were exacting generous and stubbornly optimistic.

The most telling moment was the year funding dropped and staff expected layoffs. [Founder s name] spent nights writing grant letters and mornings on the phone with partners. They chose to reduce their own salary to protect the team. That choice was not a one time sacrifice. It was the ethos of their leadership. We honor that ethic by protecting the mission and the people behind it.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates to jump start your writing. Replace bracketed text and then read aloud and edit for your voice.

Template A: Formal short company tribute

Hello. I am [Your Name] and I am [Your Role]. [Name] joined [Company] in [year] and served as [role]. They were known for [trait] and for leading [project or team]. One example of their leadership was [brief story]. We will honor their memory by [call to action]. Thank you.

Template B: Personal coworker memory for a casual event

Hi. I am [Your Name]. I worked alongside [Name] in [department]. My favorite memory is [funny or tender story]. [Name] taught me [lesson]. I am grateful for the way they made work feel human. Thank you for being here to remember them.

Template C: For a founder or owner

My name is [Your Name]. [Founder s Name] started [Company] because [reason]. They built the company on [value]. One small story that shows their approach was [story]. Their legacy will live on in [program, people, culture]. Please join us in honoring them by [donation, project, or moment of silence].

Practical tips for delivery

• Print your remarks Use large font and a physical copy. Avoid relying solely on a phone that may ring or dim.
• Use note cards One idea per card helps you stay on track when emotions rise.
• Mark pauses Place a bracket or underline where you want to breathe or expect applause. Pauses help you stay steady.
• Practice out loud Run the remarks to a colleague or friend. Timing helps you trim to fit the event.
• Bring water Grief can dry the throat. A sip between paragraphs helps.
• Coordinate with others If multiple people will speak check order and length so the program runs smoothly.
• Know who can step in If you cannot finish have a colleague ready to offer a brief closing line.

Logistics and company protocol

Check with HR about recording or sharing the speech. Some families prefer privacy. If the company is issuing a public statement coordinate language to avoid mixed messages. If memorial donations are being collected confirm the recipient and how donations will be tracked.

Workplace memorials and legacy ideas

Companies often create small lasting tributes that feel meaningful. Consider these options and discuss them with leadership and the family.

• A bench or plaque in a common area
• A scholarship or internship named in their honor
• An annual award for the behavior the person modeled
• A memorial fund that supports a cause they cared about
• A dedicated training session or mentorship program in their memory

When to involve legal or PR teams

If the person was a public figure at the company or if their death involves legal sensitivity confer with legal or PR first. They can advise on public statements media inquiries and how to protect employee privacy while communicating transparently.

Checklist before you step up to speak

• Confirm the time limit with the family or the event organizer.
• Ask whether the family wants company employees to speak publicly.
• Print your speech in large font and bring a backup copy.
• Practice at least three times out loud.
• Mark emotional beats and pauses in your copy.
• Bring tissues and water.
• Coordinate with HR PR or legal if necessary.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• HR This stands for human resources the department that manages employee relations and benefits.
• PR Public relations the team that manages external communications and media statements.
• Obituary A written notice announcing a death with basic service details and biographical information.
• Memorial fund A fund established to honor the deceased that often supports a charity or an internal program.
• Legacy project A lasting initiative created to honor the person s contributions such as a scholarship or training program.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start a eulogy for my employer if I am nervous

Begin with your name and your role in the company. A short opening like Hello my name is [Your Name] and I managed the team that worked directly with [Name] gives the audience context and gives you a steady first line. Practice that sentence until it feels natural.

What if HR asks me to avoid certain topics

Respect that request. HR often suggests boundaries to protect privacy and legal interests. Focus on human stories values and the positive impact rather than internal disputes or confidential matters.

Can I use humor when speaking about my employer

Yes small gentle humor often helps people breathe. Use a short anecdote that is kind and that most of the audience will understand. Avoid anything that could embarrass colleagues or clients.

What if the relationship with my employer was complicated

You can acknowledge complexity with dignity. Say something like Our relationship had hard moments and important lessons. Focus on what you learned and on any reconciliations that took place. Keep it brief and respectful.

Is it okay to read the speech from my phone

Yes if you are comfortable with it. Many people prefer printed notes because they are easier to handle in an emotional moment. If you use a phone silence notifications and adjust screen brightness for the venue lighting.

What should I do about a public statement from the company

Coordinate your remarks with the company statement so there are no mixed messages. If you are unsure check with PR or HR before posting anything publicly.