A good obituary is a celebration...not a mourning. While humor has it's role in an obituary, too many puns send the wrong message. That being said, Ben Franklin summed life up best when he said:
"I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not on it, I get up."
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Writing the perfect obituary doesn't have to be a heart-wrenching experience. An obituary at it's best will briefly summarize a life, tell who a person was, and outline when/where respects can be paid. Here's a good example:
(Note: this is not a real obituary - the following person never existed)
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron, 82, died April 4, 2009 at his home in Denver, Colorado after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Bergstron was born August 30, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Dale Bergstron and Mary Louise Bergstron. Al was raised in Iowa and Colorado by his loving parents, and started working on farms at the age of 12 to earn extra spending money. He attended Boulder High School in Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Ann Simmons. Al and Jennifer married on May 12, 1946, and after graduating high school that same month, Al enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Spain for the next two years.
In the winter of 1949, Al and Jennifer moved to Denver. Al had a love of golf, and spent a majority of his adult life working as a golf course superintendent, club pro, and course manager at various public and private golf courses in and around the greater Denver area.
Al lived his life with integrity and a sense of family. He was always happiest when spending time with his family and providing for Jennifer and his sons, Alvin and Greg. Al loved having his family gather to have a barbecue, play poker, or just putt around on the huge terraced golf green in his backyard. The evening usually ended with everyone sitting, talking, and laughing over a game of cards or dominoes. Al loved dogs, and will be sorely missed by his constant companion, Cracker.
Al is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his sons Michael and Alvin Bergstron; two brothers, Ronald Bergstron, and Gregory Bergstron; one sister, Alexis Bergstron-Donaldson; 12 nieces, 11 nephews, 33 great nieces, 12 great nephews, and three great-great nephews. Al was fortunate to be entrusted with being a Godparent to many of his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Bergston; brothers Theodore Bergstron and Clancy Bergstron; sister Jaime Bergstron-O’Neill, and nephew Phillip Bergstron.
A celebration of Al’s life will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Holy Rosary Community Chapel in Denver, Colorado.
(Note: this is not a real obituary - the following person never existed)
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron, 82, died April 4, 2009 at his home in Denver, Colorado after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Bergstron was born August 30, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Dale Bergstron and Mary Louise Bergstron. Al was raised in Iowa and Colorado by his loving parents, and started working on farms at the age of 12 to earn extra spending money. He attended Boulder High School in Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Ann Simmons. Al and Jennifer married on May 12, 1946, and after graduating high school that same month, Al enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Spain for the next two years.
In the winter of 1949, Al and Jennifer moved to Denver. Al had a love of golf, and spent a majority of his adult life working as a golf course superintendent, club pro, and course manager at various public and private golf courses in and around the greater Denver area.
Al lived his life with integrity and a sense of family. He was always happiest when spending time with his family and providing for Jennifer and his sons, Alvin and Greg. Al loved having his family gather to have a barbecue, play poker, or just putt around on the huge terraced golf green in his backyard. The evening usually ended with everyone sitting, talking, and laughing over a game of cards or dominoes. Al loved dogs, and will be sorely missed by his constant companion, Cracker.
Al is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his sons Michael and Alvin Bergstron; two brothers, Ronald Bergstron, and Gregory Bergstron; one sister, Alexis Bergstron-Donaldson; 12 nieces, 11 nephews, 33 great nieces, 12 great nephews, and three great-great nephews. Al was fortunate to be entrusted with being a Godparent to many of his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Bergston; brothers Theodore Bergstron and Clancy Bergstron; sister Jaime Bergstron-O’Neill, and nephew Phillip Bergstron.
A celebration of Al’s life will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Holy Rosary Community Chapel in Denver, Colorado.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Writing a Great Obituary - Add a Poem
While obituaries traditionally have been of a simple format, more and more folks are adding a poem that speaks to them...here's one we like:
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Tips on Writing the Perfect Obituary
The perfect obituary doesn't have to be a chore. An obituary at it's best will briefly summarize a life, tell who a person was, and outline when/where respects can be paid. Here's a good example:
(Note: this is not a real obituary - the following person never existed)
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron, 82, died April 4, 2009 at his home in Denver, Colorado after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Bergstron was born August 30, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Dale Bergstron and Mary Louise Bergstron. Al was raised in Iowa and Colorado by his loving parents, and started working on farms at the age of 12 to earn extra spending money. He attended Boulder High School in Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Ann Simmons. Al and Jennifer married on May 12, 1946, and after graduating high school that same month, Al enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Spain for the next two years.
In the winter of 1949, Al and Jennifer moved to Denver. Al had a love of golf, and spent a majority of his adult life working as a golf course superintendent, club pro, and course manager at various public and private golf courses in and around the greater Denver area.
Al lived his life with integrity and a sense of family. He was always happiest when spending time with his family and providing for Jennifer and his sons, Alvin and Greg. Al loved having his family gather to have a barbecue, play poker, or just putt around on the huge terraced golf green in his backyard. The evening usually ended with everyone sitting, talking, and laughing over a game of cards or dominoes. Al loved dogs, and will be sorely missed by his constant companion, Cracker.
Al is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his sons Michael and Alvin Bergstron; two brothers, Ronald Bergstron, and Gregory Bergstron; one sister, Alexis Bergstron-Donaldson; 12 nieces, 11 nephews, 33 great nieces, 12 great nephews, and three great-great nephews. Al was fortunate to be entrusted with being a Godparent to many of his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Bergston; brothers Theodore Bergstron and Clancy Bergstron; sister Jaime Bergstron-O’Neill, and nephew Phillip Bergstron.
A celebration of Al’s life will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Holy Rosary Community Chapel in Denver, Colorado.
Jack Allen “Al” Bergstron, 82, died April 4, 2009 at his home in Denver, Colorado after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Bergstron was born August 30, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Dale Bergstron and Mary Louise Bergstron. Al was raised in Iowa and Colorado by his loving parents, and started working on farms at the age of 12 to earn extra spending money. He attended Boulder High School in Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Ann Simmons. Al and Jennifer married on May 12, 1946, and after graduating high school that same month, Al enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Spain for the next two years.
In the winter of 1949, Al and Jennifer moved to Denver. Al had a love of golf, and spent a majority of his adult life working as a golf course superintendent, club pro, and course manager at various public and private golf courses in and around the greater Denver area.
Al lived his life with integrity and a sense of family. He was always happiest when spending time with his family and providing for Jennifer and his sons, Alvin and Greg. Al loved having his family gather to have a barbecue, play poker, or just putt around on the huge terraced golf green in his backyard. The evening usually ended with everyone sitting, talking, and laughing over a game of cards or dominoes. Al loved dogs, and will be sorely missed by his constant companion, Cracker.
Al is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his sons Michael and Alvin Bergstron; two brothers, Ronald Bergstron, and Gregory Bergstron; one sister, Alexis Bergstron-Donaldson; 12 nieces, 11 nephews, 33 great nieces, 12 great nephews, and three great-great nephews. Al was fortunate to be entrusted with being a Godparent to many of his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Bergston; brothers Theodore Bergstron and Clancy Bergstron; sister Jaime Bergstron-O’Neill, and nephew Phillip Bergstron.
A celebration of Al’s life will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Holy Rosary Community Chapel in Denver, Colorado.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Simple and Celebratory Themes for Obituaries
Many people think an obituary should be an extension of the mourning process...we don't believe so. Everyone is already mourning the death of a loved one - make the obituary simple and a celebration of a life well-lived.
Monday, April 6, 2009
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I use outside ad companies to display ads on this blog. These ads may contain cookies and are collected by the advertising companies and I do not have access to this information. I work with the following advertising companies: Google Adsense. Please check the advertisers websites for respective privacy policies.
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If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at twodollarsmakesadifference@yahoo.com.
This privacy policy updated April 2009
This website/blog uses third-party advertising companies to serve ads when visiting this site. These third parties may collect and use information (but not your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, you can visit Google's Advertising and Privacy page.
If you wish to opt out of Advertising companies tracking and tailoring advertisements to your surfing patterns you may do so at Network Advertising Initiative.
Google uses the Doubleclick DART cookie to serve ads across it's Adsense network and you can get further information regarding the DART cookie at Doubleclick as well as opt out options at Google's Privacy Center
Privacy
I respect your privacy and I am committed to safeguarding your privacy while online at this site perfectobituary.blogspot.com The following discloses how I gather and disseminate information for this Blog.
RSS Feeds and Email Updates
If a user wishes to subscribe to my RSS Feeds or Email Updates (powered by Feedburner), I ask for contact information such as name and email address. Users may opt-out of these communications at any time. Your personal information will never be sold or given to a third party. (You will never be spammed by me - ever)
Log Files and Stats
Like most blogging platforms I use log files, in this case Statcounter. This stores information such as internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, internet service provider (ISP), referring, exit and visited pages, platform used, date/time stamp, track user’s movement in the whole, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses etc. are not linked to personally identifiable information.
Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user. This blog doesn't use cookies. However, some of my business partners use cookies on this site (for example - advertisers). I can't access or control these cookies once the advertisers have set them.
Links
This Blog contains links to other sites. Please be aware that I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these other sites. I suggest my users to be aware of this when they leave this blog and to read the privacy statements of each and every site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Blog.
Advertisers
I use outside ad companies to display ads on this blog. These ads may contain cookies and are collected by the advertising companies and I do not have access to this information. I work with the following advertising companies: Google Adsense. Please check the advertisers websites for respective privacy policies.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at twodollarsmakesadifference@yahoo.com.
This privacy policy updated April 2009
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