Eulogy examples you could actually stand up and read

A eulogy is not a summary of a life; the obituary did that. It is five minutes, three stories, and one sentence about what they add up to. Two complete examples, with notes on why each part is there.

• For a mother
• For a father

The structure

1. Who you are (one line) and, if it fits, one small true joke so the room can breathe.
2. Three stories, each built around a concrete object or moment. Objects carry feeling better than adjectives.
3. One sentence saying what the three stories add up to. Then stop explaining.
4. A close: an instruction to the room, or a direct line to the person. Then "thank you", and sit down.

Delivering it

• Print it in a large font. Phones die and hands shake.
• Read it aloud twice at home. Mark the pauses. Cut anything that makes you break; you can say it privately.
• Five minutes is about 650 words. Under six is a kindness to everyone.
• If you cannot finish, hand the page to the person beside you. Everyone in the room will understand.