Eulogy Sample: Grandfather

Author: Alyice Edrich

Eulogy: A formal expression of praise for someone who recently died.

In Honor Of Bernard T. Haffey

My grandfather passed away the week of May 24, 2004. He was such a wonderful man that I couldn’t let this issue go by without paying tribute to him.

I still remember the day he became my grandfather. I had visited with him and his wife on several occasions. They were the parents of my mother’s best friend. I was a shy, quiet 9-year-old girl wanting desperately to have a close relationship with my own grandparents but for reasons beyond my control it never happened. I had already called my mom’s friend, Aunt Sue so in my innocent child-like nature, I asked her if I could call them grandma and grandpa. She didn’t know what to say. After a few moments of silence, she told me I would have to ask them myself and to everyone’s surprise, I did.

Without hesitation they said, “Yes, Ali you can call us grandma and grandpa.” That marked the beginning of a very wonderful relationship with two very special, loving, caring, and spectacular people. For once in my life, I truly knew what it was like to have “grandparents” and I was in heaven. The years that followed only increased my love for both of them and I couldn’t wait for my own children to have children of their own so that I could be just as wonderful to my grandkids.

My grandfather, Grandpa as I called him, was simply brilliant. He had the memory of an elephant and the warmth of a soft, snuggly blanket. He was a hard worker, a wise investor, a great provider, and a treasured friend to anyone he came in contact with. He valued life, standing up for what he believed in, relationships, and most importantly, his wife and children.

Grandpa had this way of always making me feel awkwardly special. He saw greatness in me no matter what I did or didn’t do, and he wasn’t afraid to let me know just how much he loved me and just how special I was to him. He always seemed to make sure I knew just how serious he was that I was his “grand-daughter”—even if not by blood.

He showed his approval of my marriage by hosting a family-only reception at his home. He made sure we took our finances seriously by always offering financial advice such as taking our raises each year and putting them away into a 401(k) plan. He wasn’t afraid to tell me when I put on a little weight and suggest that I get out there and start exercising. He shared stories about his time in the war and vacations with grandma. And whenever I stopped by his home for a visit, he would always take me up to his office to show me his recent accomplishments, accommodations, or letters from the U.S. President.

He was more than a friend.

He was, in all respects, my most honored grandpa and he will truly be missed.