Crafting the Best Eulogies Ever Written: Inspiration and Examples
Eulogies offer a heartfelt way to honor and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost, capturing their essence and the impact they had on others. Crafting the perfect eulogy can be challenging, especially during an emotionally charged time, but the right words can create a lasting tribute. In this article, we’ve compiled some of the best eulogies ever written, showcasing a range of styles—from touching reflections to humorous anecdotes—that bring each individual’s legacy to life.
With examples like Billy Crystal’s tribute to Robin Williams and George W. Bush’s farewell to his father, George H.W. Bush, each eulogy offers unique inspiration for honoring a loved one. We’ll explore what makes these eulogies memorable and how they can guide you in creating a personal, meaningful tribute. Whether you’re writing a eulogy for a family member, friend, or colleague, these examples provide comfort, insight, and ideas to help you capture their life in words.
1. Graham Chapman's Eulogy by John Cleese
Highlights: Known for breaking eulogy norms, John Cleese’s tribute to fellow comedian Graham Chapman is filled with humor and irreverence. Cleese opens with a list of tongue-in-cheek phrases like “he’s kicked the bucket” and delivers what he famously called the “first ****” at a British memorial service.
Why It’s Memorable: Cleese’s speech captures the essence of Chapman’s life in a way that would have delighted him—comedic, shocking, and true to their Monty Python spirit. His eulogy is an unconventional yet fitting send-off, celebrating Chapman’s life with the humor they shared. This eulogy stands out for fully embracing Chapman’s character and providing a laugh to honor his friend.
2. Billy Crystal’s Tribute to Robin Williams
Highlights: Billy Crystal’s eulogy for Robin Williams balances humor with heartfelt admiration. Sharing funny memories, such as Williams pretending to be a “Russian baseball player” at a Mets game, Crystal portrays his friend as a brilliant, generous entertainer.
Why It’s Memorable: Crystal captures the essence of Williams by celebrating his ability to bring joy to countless lives. He reflects on their friendship with warmth and closes with a poetic comparison of Williams to a celestial body whose light will continue to shine. This eulogy beautifully honors Williams’ legacy of laughter, compassion, and friendship, making it a lasting tribute to a beloved icon.
3. Ricky Townsend’s Eulogy for His Friend Austin
Highlights: In a deeply personal speech, Ricky Townsend celebrates his friendship with Austin, using humor and gratitude to convey their bond. Townsend shares memories that highlight Austin’s playful and witty nature, like the running joke about Townsend forgetting his wallet, showing the unique spirit of their friendship.
Why It’s Memorable: Townsend’s eulogy is refreshingly authentic, highlighting not only Austin’s kindness but also his quirks. By focusing on small, everyday moments, Townsend paints a relatable picture of Austin that brings him to life for the audience. His closing words, “Austin, thank you for everything,” offer a sincere expression of love and respect, making it a heartfelt celebration of friendship.
4. Eulogy for Grandma Judy by Corey
Highlights: Corey’s eulogy for his grandmother, Judy, brings together humor, honesty, and a deep love for her spirited personality. He shares light-hearted anecdotes, like her using a “shillelagh” to jokingly keep her grandchildren in line, and her quirks, such as never forgetting to mention she had the receipt for Christmas gifts “just in case.”
Why It’s Memorable: Corey’s tribute shines for its authenticity and affection, bringing his grandmother’s character vividly to life. The eulogy blends humor with nostalgia, making Judy feel relatable and memorable. By ending with a commitment to keep her legacy alive, Corey offers a heartfelt farewell that resonates deeply with anyone who’s had a special bond with a grandparent.
5. Ted Kennedy’s Eulogy for Robert F. Kennedy
Highlights: In his moving tribute to his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy emphasizes Robert’s unwavering dedication to justice and compassion. Through storytelling and quoting Robert’s 1966 speech on equality, Ted reminds the audience of his brother’s commitment to a more empathetic world.
Why It’s Memorable: Ted’s speech captures Robert’s spirit with simplicity and depth, using Robert’s own words to showcase his ideals. The iconic closing line, “Some men see things as they are and say, why? I dream things that never were and say, why not?” powerfully encapsulates Robert’s hopeful vision. This eulogy is celebrated for its eloquence and ability to inspire, honoring a legacy of service and change.
6. Obama’s Tribute to Senator John McCain
Highlights: Barack Obama’s eulogy for John McCain is both respectful and humorous, capturing the essence of their friendship across political lines. Recalling McCain’s irreverent humor, Obama shares how McCain wanted him to “say nice things” about him to a national audience, adding a playful element to the tribute.
Why It’s Memorable: Obama, known for his oratory skill, honors McCain’s legacy of courage, family devotion, and integrity. He turns McCain’s farewell into a call for unity and respect amid differences, creating a tribute that transcends politics. The speech stands out as one of the best eulogies, celebrating a life committed to service and resilience.
7. Daughter of fallen officer delivers heartbreaking eulogy at funeral
Highlights: Shelby’s tribute to her father is a blend of heartfelt memories and incredible forgiveness. She recalls tender moments, like him showing up in “plaid pajama pants” and sharing stories of his workday. Despite her deep grief, she extends compassion to the man who took her father’s life, even expressing a desire to one day tell him about Jesus.
Why It’s Memorable: Shelby’s eulogy is remarkable for its grace, resilience, and compassion. Her words exemplify the strength her father instilled in her, and her wish to share forgiveness is profoundly inspiring. This tribute is a moving example of love, faith, and inner peace in the face of unimaginable loss.
8. An emotional Tom Hanks shares a funny story at Michael Clarke Duncan's memorial service
Highlights: Tom Hanks’ eulogy for his Green Mile co-star Michael Clarke Duncan is filled with warmth and laughter. He shares a humorous story of Duncan as a young man trying to join a gang but leaving a lasting impression on them with his kindness, showing how Duncan’s gentle spirit broke stereotypes and brightened lives.
Why It’s Memorable: Hanks captures Duncan’s generosity, humor, and genuine goodness. By blending laughter with admiration, he brings Duncan’s character to life for the audience, making this eulogy memorable for its joy and authenticity. Hanks’ tribute is a celebration of friendship and the joy Duncan brought to those around him.
9. Sara Thompson's eulogy for her mother, Frances
Highlights: Sara’s eulogy for her mother, Frances, is both humorous and heartfelt, filled with anecdotes that capture her mom’s quirky character, like her challenges with answering machines and ending voicemails with “amen” as if they were prayers. Sara’s reflection on the void left in her life is touching, yet hopeful.
Why It’s Memorable: Sara’s tribute combines humor, love, and vulnerability, portraying her mother in a way that feels deeply personal and relatable. She shares her journey of finding comfort in the community her mother left behind, adding a beautiful message of resilience. This eulogy stands out for its candid, heartwarming portrayal of a mother’s lasting impact.
10. George W. Bush Eulogy for His Father George H.W. Bush
Highlights: George W. Bush’s farewell to his father, George H.W. Bush, is a blend of humor, respect, and emotion. Opening with the quote, “The idea is to die young as late as possible,” Bush shares stories that highlight his father’s adventurous spirit, from boat racing at age 85 to parachuting at 90.
Why It’s Memorable: This eulogy paints a picture of a life well-lived, showcasing Bush Sr.’s dedication to family, public service, and humility. The touching ending, envisioning his father reunited with loved ones in heaven, provides a sense of comfort and closure. Bush’s tribute is a masterful blend of humor and love, capturing his father’s legacy in a way that resonates with everyone.
Tips for Writing the Best Eulogies Ever Written
Crafting a eulogy can be one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate a loved one’s life. Here are some thoughtful tips to help you create one of the best eulogies ever written:
1. Capture Their Essence with a Simple Story: Begin with a small, defining moment that instantly brings their personality to life. For example, a line like, “No matter how early I arrived, Julius was always there first,” conjures up their familiar habits and spirit right away.
2. Share Unique and Personal Stories: Include memorable moments that might be new to some attendees but reflect who they truly were. Stories like these—whether humorous, heartfelt, or quirky—are the foundation of the best eulogies ever written, providing an intimate glimpse into their character.
3. Use Humor to Celebrate Their Personality: Embrace light-hearted memories. These can be as simple as recalling their favorite snack, an inside joke, or a quirky habit. Humor brings a genuine warmth to the eulogy and can help loved ones feel connected during a difficult time.
4. End with a Heartfelt Goodbye: Conclude with a few words that capture what they meant to you. This final note could express gratitude, a personal insight, or a tribute like Oprah’s words at Rosa Parks’ memorial: “I marvel at your will; I celebrate your strength.”
In the end, the best eulogies ever written are those that truly honor a person’s unique life. Through heartfelt stories and a personal touch, you can craft a tribute that beautifully reflects their legacy and brings comfort to everyone gathered.
