When you’re reading the newspaper, do you ever read through the obituaries? Have you ever wondered what someone would write about you? If you’ve never given thought to writing an obituary, then you could risk leaving out important pieces of information.

Writing an obituary in tribute of a deceased loved one is a true honor. But will you be able to put the information together during a time when you feel such a tremendous amount of grief?

If you’re interested in knowing more about public tributes for the deceased, then you’ll want to invest 20 minutes for this edition of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services in Vancouver about tips on writing an obituary.

Obituaries are an important memorial to the deceased. This interview is a chance to learn how to write a tribute for your loved ones should the unthinkable occur.

What Is the First Step in Writing an Obituary?

This episode kicks off with Valerie pointing out how an obituary differs from a eulogy. She then explains the first step you need to take when writing an obituary for a loved one.

Then Valerie segues into that information you want to include after that first step, and offers suggestions that you may have trouble remembering during your time of grief.

If you aren't sure what to include in an obituary, then you could be bringing added stress to the situation when time comes for you to write one.

How Do I Know What’s Appropriate for an Obituary?

Next Valerie goes into more details about what to include in an obituary, and what kinds of things you should avoid. She also answers these and other questions during the podcast:

- What family members should I list in the obituary?
- When I write an obituary how long should it be?
- How can I make sure my own obituary will be accurate?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Do you need help preparing your own obituary for the future? Could you use more tips on writing the obituary for a friend or family member? If you answered “Yes” to either or both, then it’s time to consider asking for help from a professional.

Who Will Be Responsible for Writing My Obituary?

Valerie then talks about who might be charged with the responsibility of writing your obituary, and how you can make sure it has all the information you want people to know after you’re gone.

She also offers information about where you can get unbiased help in case you wish to write your own obituary, and outlines the benefits of using such resources.

Preparing a notice of death for a loved one is an honor, whether it is a simple notice or a longer tribute memorializing that person’s life. What’s stopping you from asking for help from a Vancouver funeral home?

The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about tips on writing the obituary to make sure all your bases are covered before the information is published.

Do You Need Help Writing an Obituary?

Do you anticipate having to write an obituary, or a premature obituary for someone in your life? Would you prefer writing your own obituary? Please share your questions or comments below, so we can help you through this difficult time by discussing them together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1