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

Saying goodbye to a grandson feels impossible and heartbreaking at the same time. You want to honor him, share what made him him, and stand in front of family without losing your voice. This guide is written for grandparents who have been asked to speak. It gives a clear plan, real examples you can adapt, and gentle tips for delivery. We explain any terms you might not know and include quick templates so you can start writing right away.

Who this guide is for

This article is for grandparents asked to speak at a funeral, memorial, wake, graveside service, or celebration of life for their grandson. Maybe you were the obvious pick because you were closest, maybe you were asked because your voice brings calm, or maybe you simply want to make sure his life is remembered. There are examples here for short remarks, longer tributes, and for complicated family dynamics.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor someone who has died. It focuses on memories, stories, and reflections rather than a full list of facts. A eulogy is different from an obituary. An obituary is a written notice that gives basic biographical details and service information. A eulogy is personal and spoken. It can be imperfect and still be meaningful.

Terms you might see

• Obituary A written notice announcing a death often found online or in newspapers. It usually lists basic facts and service details.
• Order of service The sequence of events at a funeral or memorial. It tells who speaks and when music or readings happen.
• Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket. Pallbearers are often family or close friends.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories, photos, and personal memories.
• Hospice Care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for someone near the end of life. Hospice can be in the home or in a facility.
• Executor The person named in a will to manage the deceased person s estate and legal affairs.
• Probate The legal process for validating a will and distributing assets under a court order.
• RSVP An abbreviation of a French phrase meaning please respond. It is used on invitations to ask people to confirm attendance.
• POA Short for power of attorney which is a legal authorization for someone to act on another person s behalf. It is often discussed around end of life planning.

How long should a eulogy be

Short and focused is usually best. Aim for three to seven minutes which is about four hundred to eight hundred spoken words. If multiple people are speaking, coordinate times so the whole service stays on schedule. A brief, honest speech often carries more emotional weight than a long unfocused one.

Before you start writing

Grief makes thinking harder. Use this simple checklist to gather material and reduce overwhelm.

• Ask about time Confirm with the family or officiant how long you should speak and where you fit in the order of service.
• Decide the tone Do you want to be tender, funny, celebratory, or a mix? Check with the parents and close family so the tone fits the child and the crowd.
• Gather memories Collect stories, nicknames, favorite foods, hobbies, traditions, and small details that make him real to listeners. Ask parents, siblings, and friends for one memory each.
• Choose two or three focus points Pick two or three things you want people to remember. That gives shape and keeps the speech grounded.
• Decide if you will read or speak from memory Most people prefer printed notes or cue cards. Decide what feels safest for you and practice with that format.

Structure that works

A clear structure helps you and the listener. Use this simple shape.

• Opening Say your name and how you were related to the grandson. Offer one sentence that sets the tone.
• Life sketch Give a brief portrait of his life. Avoid listing every event. Focus on roles and moments that matter.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that reveal his personality. Keep them sensory and specific.
• Values and what he taught Say what people learned from him or what others will miss.
• Closing Offer a short goodbye line, a reading, a song line, or a call to action like sharing a memory after the service.

Writing the opening

Open with a line that feels like you. Keep it simple. Say who you are and your relationship. Then say one small true sentence about him. Practicing that opening few times will steady your breathing when you begin.

Opening examples

• Good morning. I am Linda and I am Michael s grandmother. Today we are here to remember how Michael made mud and music look equally important.
• Hi everyone. I am Rob. I was Noah s grandfather. He taught me how to build Lego towers that do not fall over and how to laugh properly.
• Hello. I am Tessa, his Nana. Pete had a grin that reached his toes and a curiosity that could wobble a grown up s plan. That is why we are gathered today.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a biography. For a grandson you will often focus on who he was in family life and in the small everyday things. Include ages and a couple of key facts if they matter, but keep it simple.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] was born in [place] and was [age]. He loved [hobby] and could always be found with [object or habit]. He lived with his parents [names] and he had a way of bringing a room to life with [small habit].
• [Name] started preschool last year and already had a best friend named [name]. He learned to ride a bike and insisted that every cake be extra frosted. He had a laugh that made everyone join in.

Anecdotes that matter

Stories are what people remember. Pick one or two short moments that reveal who he was. A good anecdote has a setup, an action, and a small emotional payoff.

Example anecdotes you can adapt

• Once he decided the family dog needed a haircut. He sat the dog on a chair and announced that it needed bangs like mine. We spent the afternoon pretending to cut dog hair and he giggled until he could not breathe.
• He was determined to learn how to whistle. He practiced under the table while we ate. When he finally blew a perfect note we all applauded like it was the first moon landing.
• At bedtime he invented a handshake that required a wink and a serious face. Anyone who learned it became his friend instantly. The handshake made us feel special and safe.

Addressing complex feelings and family dynamics

Grief brings complicated feelings. You do not need to sugarcoat pain. But public remarks are not the place for unresolved disputes. You can be honest and dignified at the same time.

Examples for complex situations

• If your relationship with the grandson was short or complicated you can say I wish we had more time together and then focus on a small truth like the first time he reached for my hand.
• If other family members disagree about what to say, check with the parents and keep your remarks centered on love and memory.
• If you are angry or confused, say a short line about the mix of emotions and then share a tender memory that humanizes everyone involved.

Using gentle humor

Small moments of humor give people permission to breathe and remember happier times. Avoid jokes that target anyone or that could embarrass the parents. Use earned jokes that come from a real story.

Safe humor examples

• He believed socks were optional and shoes were negotiable. He kept us on our toes which is probably how he learned to dance so well.
• He had a brief career as a plant killer. We gave him one plant to watch and by the end of the week it needed a vacation from him. He laughed and learned that plants want the same thing as us which is attention.

What to avoid

• Avoid private family disputes or legal details in a public speech.
• Avoid over explaining the cause of death unless the parents want that shared.
• Avoid long lists of achievements without stories that make them human.
• Avoid cliches that do not say anything specific about your grandson.

Full eulogy examples for grandparents

Example 1: Short and tender under two minutes

Hello. I am Joan, his grandmother. Eli had a laugh that could start a party and stop a room from being sad. He loved trains and insisted that every road was secretly a railway. He taught me to look for small adventures in grocery aisles and to make any sandwich an event. I will miss his curiosity and the way he called me Nana like it was the best word in the world. Thank you for holding his memory with us.

Example 2: Three to five minute story driven eulogy

Good morning. I am Mark and I am Theo s granddad. When Theo was four he decided to become an inventor. One rainy afternoon he lined up every spoon in the kitchen to make a band. He recruited the cat as a manager, assigned roles, and declared that we would perform at three o clock which he called showtime. The performance was brief and very loud. Theo beamed the whole time like he had changed the world.

That is who he was. He found music in spoons and possibility in puddles. He loved his parents with a fierce smallness and he loved second helpings at dinner. He taught us to notice tiny things and to clap for them. I will carry his spoon band in my heart as a reminder to look for joy anywhere. Thank you for coming to celebrate Theo s life with us.

Example 3: For a grandparent who is also a caregiver

Hello. I am Ruth, and I had the joy of watching Jamie grow up from his first wobbly steps to his first day of school. We read the same book every night until we both had it memorized and we still argued in character voices like it was a sport. Jamie taught me patience in a new language. He showed me that small routines are the scaffolding of big love. I will miss reading under a small blanket and the way his finger found mine in a crowded room. Thank you for being here with us.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates to get a first draft going. Replace bracketed text and then edit so it sounds like you. Read the draft out loud and trim anything that feels forced.

Template A: Short and simple

My name is [Your Name]. I am [Grandson s Name] grandfather grandmother. [Grandson s Name] was [age]. He loved [hobby] and liked to [quirky habit]. One memory that shows the kind of person he was is [brief story]. He taught me [small lesson]. Thank you for being here and for holding his memory with us.

Template B: Story focused three to five minutes

Hello, I am [Your Name], his grandparent. The first thing I want to say about [Grandson s Name] is [one sentence that sums him up]. One story that shows this is [short anecdote with a setup action payoff]. From that I learned [lesson]. He also liked [hobby], and he had a favorite thing he said which was [phrase]. I will remember how he [small sensory detail]. If you want to remember him, remember [one concrete thing]. Thank you.

Template C: For complicated emotions

I am [Your Name]. Grief can be confusing and this one is no different. [Grandson s Name] meant different things to different people. For me he was [personal role]. Even if the days were hard we had moments like [brief memory]. Those small moments are what I will carry forward. Thank you for being here with us today.

Practical tips for delivery

• Print your speech Use large font and bring a backup copy. Paper is easier to manage when emotions rise.
• Use cue cards Small index cards with a few bullet points on each keep you from losing your place.
• Mark pauses Put a bracket or a blank line where you want to breathe or where the audience might laugh. Pauses give you a chance to regroup.
• Practice out loud Read it to a friend or practice in the car. Familiarity helps your voice when you stand up to speak.
• Bring tissues and water Keep a handkerchief handy and a small glass of water to keep your throat steady.
• Arrange a backup If you worry you might not finish, ask a trusted person to be ready to step in and finish a closing line if you need them to.
• Mic technique Keep the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak slowly and clearly. If there is no mic, project at a comfortable volume and aim for the back row.

When tears come

Tears are normal. If you cry, pause, take a breath, sip water, and continue. Speaking more slowly after a break often makes your words hit deeper. If you cannot continue, stop and ask the person you designated to finish your last sentence. The room will be patient.

Including readings, poems, or music

Short readings work best. A two to four line poem excerpt or a brief scripture passage can be meaningful. If you include music ask in advance how it will be played and where it fits in the order of service. Keep pieces short and meaningful.

Logistics to confirm

• Confirm your time limit with the family or officiant.
• Tell the funeral director if you need a microphone or a lectern.
• Decide if you want your remarks printed in the program and provide a copy if so.
• Plan who will welcome people or guide guests if asked to do so.

After the eulogy

People often ask for a copy of the words. Offer to email it or have the funeral home include it in a memory book. Some families ask to post a recording online. Check with parents before posting anything publicly. Sharing the text can be comfort for those who could not attend.

Resources for grief support

If you feel overwhelmed, reach out. Many communities offer grief groups, counseling, and online resources. The child s parents or guardian might already have resources from a pediatrician or hospital. Hospice programs also often provide bereavement support even when death was not in hospice care. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech honoring a person who has died. It is usually personal and story based.
• Obituary A public notice of death with basic facts and service information.
• Order of service The schedule for the funeral or memorial listing songs, readings, and speakers.
• Pallbearer A person who carries the casket, often close friends or family.
• Celebration of life A less formal memorial focused on stories and photos.
• Hospice Care focused on comfort near the end of life. Resources often include bereavement support for families.
• Executor The person who manages the will and estate.
• Probate The court process that validates a will and helps distribute assets.
• RSVP A request for guests to confirm attendance. It stands for please respond.
• POA Power of attorney. A legal tool for someone to make decisions on another person s behalf.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am nervous

Start with your name and relationship. A simple opening like Hello I am [Name] and I am [Grandson s Name] grandmother grandfather sets the scene and gives you a moment to settle. Practice that opening until it feels familiar. It will help steady your breath on the microphone.

What if I forget my place or get too upset to continue

Pause and breathe. Look at your notes. If you need more time, hold a final line on the page and take a sip of water. If you cannot continue ask a designated person to finish the closing sentence. Having someone ready to help makes it easier.

Should I mention the cause of death

Only if the parents want that shared. Often people prefer to focus on memories and the life lived rather than medical details. Check with the family before mentioning cause of death in public remarks.

Is it okay to use humor

Yes small earned humor that comes from real moments is welcome. It gives the room permission to remember joy. Avoid jokes that might embarrass or upset family members.

How do I balance talking about my grief and talking about my grandson

Share your grief in one or two honest lines and then return to stories about him. That balances truth with tribute and keeps the focus on his life and what he meant to people.

Can I read the eulogy from my phone

Yes you can. Make sure the screen is bright enough and silent. Many people prefer printed notes because they are easier to handle when emotions rise. Choose whatever feels most reliable for you.

Who should I check with before I speak

Confirm with the parents or primary caregivers and with the officiant. They may have preferences about tone, time, and what to include. Respecting their wishes is important.