Hello Folks!

Has anybody here ever given a Eulogy?

How did it go? How long was it? What does one generally say?

Is there a general outline for Eulogies?

I've only heard a few, and don't remember much.

I have a day and a half to prepare.

Thanks!

-Larry

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Yes, I gave the eulogy for my father when he died seven years ago.

In a nutshell, there's no set formula.

If it's a member of your family that passed away, don't forget to thank all those who have and are still giving help and support to your family.

Other than that, I'd highlight the deceased person's life, the good and the bad, and how they made life better for others. Maybe tell a couple stories that illustrate the kind of person they were. This will give you a chance to bring some humor into it if it's a funny story so people will remember some better times.

Also try to personalize the eulogy. It's you who's giving it, so I would think of things to say about the deceased that were unique to your relationship. In my father's eulogy, I told the story of how after I was hit by a car on my beloved bike, he went out the next day and bought me my dream racing bike that I'd been looking at at the bike shop all summer. I still ride that bike today, 22 years later.

All in all, it's up to you, but I hope this helps a bit. Good luck.

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.

I gave a eulogy for my Dad's funeral 35 years ago. I'm not sure exactly what I said even right afterword (something to do with how much he enjoyed life with family) but a lot of people said that my Father would've liked it. I think it helped me settle the depth of my loss. Instead of all those regrets we often feel about this or that ugly moment or word, I gained perspective on the man and what he meant to me.

But I hate eulogies that drag-on and make the deceased something that he was not. It should be sentimental but it should also be honest. If you cannot be honest then don't do it.

Stories that illustrate some trait of the deceased are good. Ask around with some of the decedent's school mates, childhood friends, etc. Come up with a structure and weave the stories into the structure, so that the eulogy doesn't ramble. My favorite eulogy story was at my brother's funeral. Eddie, unlike the rest of our family, had no trouble meeting people. He and his wife lived in Chelsea, Massachusetts, which is connected to Boston by a toll bridge. They moved away for a year or two, and when they returned, he and his wife were paying their toll on the way home. In the 10 seconds they were in the toll booth, Eddie struck up a conversation with the toll taker. The toll taker said that one of the other toll takers had told her that Eddie was back in town. His wife couldn't believe that they remembered him that well. The reason it was a good eulogy story is that it was funny, it reminded everybody of some experience they had with Eddie, and it reminded everyone that Eddie was sincerely interested in people.

Larry:
Lots of really good advice so far. My .02. Write it out and practice. It will be hard to remember what to say when the moment arrives.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

These guys have pretty much said it all. I gave my dad's back in 2000. It's both a privelage, and not fun. I tried to hit the highlights, and a few good stories, tried not to make him the hero he wasn't, but tried to make him the hero he was. Keep it fairly brief. Maybe 10 to 15 minutes or so, depending on how many others will be talking/singing/whatever. The least enjoyable funerals I've ever been to were the ones that people went on and on and on and on and on.
Best of luck, and most sincere condolances.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

That's the best advice so far. The point of writing is to organize your thoughts, not to provide a script. With a little bit of practice you will be able to deliver it from the heart without reading. You will want a list of bullet points to make sure you don't forget anything, but be sure to make eye contact and talk to the congregation, don't read.

I want to thank everybody for their advice - It is all appreciated!

-Larry

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D