How to Write a Eulogy for a Colleague
Writing a eulogy for your colleague may feel like one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. They may have been a mentor who guided your career, a teammate who shared countless hours with you, or a friend you found through work who became part of your life beyond the office. Whatever the connection, the challenge is the same: you’re trying to capture their place in your heart and in your shared story — all within just a few minutes of spoken words.
That can feel impossible — and in some ways, it is. No single speech can reflect everything your colleague was or everything they meant. But it can capture something true, and that glimpse can bring comfort to those listening.
This is why a eulogy matters. It gives voice to your grief, but it also celebrates your colleague’s life. It helps those who listen connect to their own memories of them, and it leaves you with the reassurance that you’ve honoured them in the best way you can.
Writing for a colleague is often uniquely meaningful. They may have been the person who supported you through challenges at work, the teammate who brought humour to long days, or the mentor who shaped your career. A colleague is not just someone you worked alongside, but often someone who became part of your daily life — and that makes the task of speaking at their farewell both tender and significant.
To stand and speak at their farewell can feel like both an honour and a responsibility — a way of expressing gratitude, sharing their story, and reflecting the impact they had on you, your workplace, and everyone who knew them. That makes the task deeply meaningful.
It’s important to remember there is no “perfect” eulogy. It doesn’t need to be polished or poetic. It just needs to be sincere.
Whether your colleague’s death was sudden or expected, whether you are speaking in a place of worship, at a crematorium, or in a workplace memorial, your words will matter most because they come from you.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a eulogy for a colleague means, outline structures you can follow, provide reflection prompts, share a full example speech, and offer gentle advice for writing and delivering with confidence.
What a Eulogy for a Colleague Means
A eulogy for a colleague is not just a recounting of their career or work achievements. It’s an expression of respect, gratitude, and remembrance. A colleague often holds a uniquely important role: they may have been the teammate who supported you through challenges, the mentor who offered guidance, or the friend who made long days lighter with humour and camaraderie.
When we speak of them at a funeral, we are often speaking not only about what they accomplished professionally, but about who they were — the qualities that defined them and the way they shaped the lives of those around them.
A eulogy for a colleague often weaves together three strands:
Love and Gratitude — the respect, friendship, and encouragement that made working alongside them meaningful.
Stories and Memories — the experiences that reveal their character: their humour, their dedication, the way they supported others, or the shared moments that turned work into something more than a job.
Legacy — how their presence continues to influence you, your workplace, and everyone who learned from or laughed with them.
Even the words we choose carry meaning. “Colleague” may feel formal, while “teammate,” “mentor,” “partner,” or even a workplace nickname often reflect the real closeness of your bond. Whichever you use, the significance lies in your relationship with them.
And remember: your colleague’s story doesn’t have to be told in a grand way. Sometimes it’s the smallest moments — a kind word in a stressful day, a shared laugh during a late project, or a tradition you had together — that capture them more vividly than any title or milestone.
Types of Eulogies for a Colleague
There’s no single “right” way to write a eulogy. Some people naturally tell a life story in order, while others prefer to highlight qualities, values, or defining memories. Knowing the different styles can ease the pressure, because it reminds you that you can choose the shape that feels most natural to you — and to your colleague’s story.
Below are three common approaches. You don’t have to follow them exactly, but they can give you a helpful starting point as you think about how to organise your words.
Chronological
This approach tells their story in order: early life, how they came into their profession, the contributions they made at work, and the relationships they built along the way.
Example opening: “My colleague joined our company in 2005, and from the very beginning, their work ethic and humour stood out — qualities that shaped our team and inspired all of us.”
Thematic
This focuses on qualities or themes such as dedication, teamwork, humour, leadership, or kindness.
Example opening: “If I had to choose one word to describe my colleague, it would be generosity. They gave it freely — in their knowledge, their encouragement, and their support for those around them.”
Hybrid
This blends both: a brief career or life timeline followed by themed stories that highlight their character.
Example opening: “My colleague’s story began in Manchester, but what truly defined them was their loyalty and their sense of humour — qualities that carried through every stage of their career and friendships.”
Most people find the hybrid approach easiest, as it balances structure with flexibility. Whichever style you choose, remember that what matters most is authenticity. Even a simple framework can carry deep meaning when the words come from the heart.
Structure of a Eulogy (Framework You Can Follow)
One of the biggest hurdles in writing a eulogy is simply knowing where to start. Having a clear structure can ease the pressure and give you a roadmap to follow. You don’t have to stick to it rigidly — the most meaningful tributes are those that feel natural — but these five parts can help you turn scattered memories into a flowing, heartfelt speech.
Opening Words
Begin by welcoming everyone and acknowledging why you’re gathered. A simple thank-you creates connection straight away.
Example: “Thank you for being here today to celebrate the life of my colleague, Paul.”
Life Overview
Offer a short sketch of your colleague’s journey — where they grew up, family life, their career, passions, or key milestones. Keep it brief; the aim is to provide context, not a full biography.
Stories and Anecdotes
Choose two or three moments that capture who they were. These might be funny, touching, or everyday stories that reveal their character. Anecdotes are often what people remember most.
Qualities and Values
Highlight the traits that defined them: loving, devoted, humorous, resilient, or generous. Linking these qualities back to your stories make the tribute feel cohesive.
Closing Words
End with a final farewell, a blessing, or a comforting thought. This is your chance to leave listeners with a lasting impression of their spirit.
Example: “Paul, your humour and light will stay with me always and carried in our memories.”
Reflection Prompts
Facing a blank page can be daunting. Sometimes the hardest part of writing a eulogy is knowing where to begin. Reflection prompts are gentle questions designed to spark memories and help you put scattered thoughts into words. They give you a starting point — not to limit what you say, but to open the door to stories and feelings you might otherwise overlook.
Use these prompts to get started:
What lessons did my best friend teach me that I still carry with me?
How did my best friend show love, humour, or support in everyday ways?
Which routines, traditions, or moments we shared remind me most of them?
What did my best friend value most in life?
If I had one more chance, what would I thank them for?
If those prompts feel helpful but you’re still struggling to put pen to paper, another way to spark ideas is through objects connected to your best friend. Physical reminders — like a gift they gave you, a playlist you both loved, a ticket stub from an adventure you shared, or even a note or card they once wrote — often unlock memories and emotions that questions alone can’t reach.
Memory Exercise
Sometimes memories flow easily; other times they feel just out of reach. A simple exercise can help unlock them. By using objects connected to your colleague — a work notebook they kept, a coffee mug that lived on their desk, a photo from a team event, or even an email or note they once sent — you can trigger stories and emotions that may be exactly what you want to include in your eulogy.
Try this:
Gather photos, notes, or personal items connected to your colleague.
Choose one and write about the memory it evokes.
Free-write for 10 minutes without editing.
Highlight one or two details you could share in your eulogy.
Asking mutual colleagues, friends from the workplace, or even their family for favourite memories can also help. Even a single story from another person may spark ideas of your own and remind you of moments you want to bring into your tribute.
Example Eulogy for a Colleague
Reading examples can often make the task feel less overwhelming. Seeing how someone else has shaped their thoughts into a speech helps you picture what your own might look like.
The following example isn’t meant to be copied word for word — instead, it shows one possible way to weave together workplace memories, professional qualities, and gratitude into a flowing tribute for a colleague.
As you read, notice the structure: a short welcome, a few meaningful stories, reflections on their character both at work and beyond, and a heartfelt closing. You can adapt this to your own colleague’s life, swapping in details and stories that feel true to your experience of working alongside them.
Good morning everyone, and thank you for being here today as we remember and celebrate [Colleague’s Name].
I had the privilege of working alongside [Name] for more than [X] years, and in that time, they became much more than a coworker. They were a mentor, a teammate, and a friend. [Name] had a way of bringing people together — whether through a kind word on a stressful day, a bit of humour in a long meeting, or simply by leading through example with their dedication and integrity.
One of my favourite memories of [Name] was [insert anecdote — e.g., how they stayed late to help finish a project, or their tradition of bringing in cake for birthdays]. It may seem like a small thing, but it speaks to the kind of person they were — thoughtful, generous, and always willing to go the extra mile for others.
What stood out most was [Name]’s character. They worked hard, but they also reminded us to laugh and to value each other as people, not just colleagues. They created an atmosphere where people felt supported and included, and that is a legacy that will stay with us long after today.
[Name] had a gift for listening — really listening — in a way that made you feel valued and understood. Many of us turned to them for advice, not only about work, but about life. They always had time, and they always gave encouragement with sincerity and care.
To me, [Name] will always be remembered as someone who showed up — not just in the office, but in life. They showed up with kindness, with encouragement, and with a genuine interest in those around them.
As we say goodbye, I know I’m not alone in feeling gratitude for the time we had with [Name]. Their presence shaped our workplace and our lives in ways that words can only begin to describe.
Rest in peace, [Name]. You will be missed, but your impact will continue in the stories we share, the lessons you taught us, and the example you set. We are better for having known you, and we carry your spirit with us always.
Want to see more eulogy examples for a colleague? We’ve put together a dedicated page of eulogy examples for a colleague — offering different lengths, tones, and styles to help you find inspiration.
💛 Struggling to Write a Eulogy for Your Colleague?
The above example eulogy for a colleague is around 361 words (2–2.5 minutes). A full eulogy is usually 800–1,200 words (6–8 minutes), giving you more space to share stories and memories.
If you’re unsure how to start, or stuck partway through, we can help. We’ll shape a thoughtful first draft from your memories — or give kind, constructive feedback on what you’ve already written.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with the best intentions, many people find writing a eulogy harder than expected. Grief makes it difficult to think clearly, and the pressure of “getting it right” can feel overwhelming. The good news is that almost everyone faces similar hurdles, and there are gentle ways to move past them.
Here are some of the most common challenges — and simple approaches to help you through:
Too emotional to write
Grief makes it hard to focus, let alone write. If tears stop you before you start, try jotting down short notes or bullet points instead of full sentences. You can also record yourself speaking into your phone — sometimes words flow more naturally when spoken than when written. Later, you can shape these fragments into a draft.
Worried about leaving something out
Every life is bigger than any single speech, and no eulogy can capture it all. The aim isn’t to say everything, but to say something meaningful. Choose a few stories or qualities that represent your colleague best. Listeners will fill in the gaps with their own memories, and that’s part of what makes a eulogy so powerful.
Unsure how long it should be
Most eulogies last around 6–8 minutes (roughly 800–1,200 words), which feels comfortable for most services. But some families prefer a more detailed tribute lasting 10–20 minutes (around 1,500–2,500 words), especially at celebrations of life or memorial gatherings. The right length depends on the setting and what you feel needs to be said.
Do’s and Don’ts
When you’re writing a eulogy, it can be reassuring to have some gentle guidelines. These aren’t strict rules — every tribute is unique — but they can help you focus on what really matters and avoid common pitfalls.
Do:
✅ Keep it personal
Share your own memories and experiences rather than trying to sound like someone else. Listeners want to hear your voice.
✅ Use small details
Everyday touches — a favourite phrase, a well-worn chair, the way they stirred their tea — often capture more than big achievements.
✅ Practice aloud
Reading the words out loud will help you find the right rhythm and spot anything that feels awkward.
✅ Allow yourself to pause
Emotion is natural. Taking a breath, sipping water, or simply standing in silence for a moment can be just as powerful as words.
Avoid:
⚠️ Feeling you need to be formal or eloquent
A eulogy isn’t a performance — sincerity matters more than polished language.
⚠️ Forced humour
Gentle humour can bring comfort, but only if it feels natural and true to your colleague’s personality.
⚠️ Comparing your words to others
Every tribute is different; focus on what you want to say, not how it measures up.
⚠️ Apologising for emotion — it’s natural
Tears and pauses show the depth of your love. No one will think less of you for them.
Tips for Delivering the Eulogy
Even with a carefully written speech, the thought of standing up and speaking can feel daunting. The good news is that no one expects perfection. People will be listening with compassion, not criticism. These tips can help you feel calmer and more prepared when the time comes.
Rehearse aloud
Reading silently isn’t the same as hearing your words out loud. Practising a few times will help you hear the natural rhythm, smooth out tricky phrases, and build confidence.
Print your speech clearly
Use a large font and double spacing so your eyes can follow the lines easily. It also helps if your hands tremble or your vision blurs with tears.
Mark pauses
Adding small slashes or spaces on the page reminds you to breathe and slow down. Pauses also give your listeners time to take in your words.
Pay attention to body language
Stand tall, breathe deeply, and make gentle eye contact from time to time. These simple gestures help you feel grounded and keep your audience engaged.
Ground yourself with a keepsake
Holding something that belonged to your colleague — a book, a photo, or a keepsake tied to their hobbies — can steady you and provide comfort.
If emotions rise
Don’t be afraid to stop, breathe, or sip water. A pause shows love and gives everyone a chance to share in the moment. People will understand.
Have a backup
Give a copy of your speech to someone you trust. If you feel unable to continue, they can step in, ensuring your words are still heard.
Other Styles and Examples
Every eulogy is unique, and there are many different ways people choose to honour their best friend. Some prefer a short, tender eulogy, focusing on just one or two cherished memories. Others create a longer, more detailed tribute that might last 15 minutes or more.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you might explore:
A sample eulogy for a best friend from childhood, reflecting on the adventures, shared secrets, and lifelong bond you built together.
A eulogy for a best friend remembered as family, highlighting the loyalty, love, and sense of belonging they gave.
A funny eulogy for a best friend, when their humour, mischief, or unforgettable stories defined them and would bring a smile to those listening.
A brief eulogy example for a best friend, which can be just as meaningful when time is short but heartfelt words are needed.
A simple template for writing a eulogy for a best friend, to provide structure if you’re unsure where to begin.
These variations all serve the same purpose: to honour your friend in a way that feels true. Whether you write something short and simple or a longer, more detailed speech, what matters most is that your words come from the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most eulogies last around 6–8 minutes when spoken, usually 800–1,200 words. This length feels comfortable for many funeral services. However, some families prefer a more detailed tribute that runs 10–20 minutes (around 1,500–2,500 words), especially at celebrations of life or memorial gatherings where there is more time to share stories.
The right length depends on the setting, the audience, and how much you feel needs to be said.
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Yes, if it feels natural and reflects their personality. Light humour or a favourite story can often bring comfort and smiles during a difficult moment.
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Absolutely. Sometimes several relatives choose to share short reflections, offering different perspectives on the life and personality of the person they loved. These shorter tributes can complement one another beautifully — showing how your colleague touched lives in many ways.
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It’s okay. Ask someone else to step in, or pause and continue when ready.
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Yes. A template can provide structure if you’re unsure where to start. You can adapt it with your own stories and details to make it personal.
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A short eulogy often highlights one or two memories, a defining quality, and a farewell. Example:
“My colleague, Pamela was warm and generous. She always made everyone feel welcome at the office. We’ll miss her kindness, but we’ll carry it with us.”
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Yes — if it reflects who they were. Gentle humour, especially tied to shared family stories, can bring smiles even in grief.
💬 The First Words Can Be the Hardest — Let Us Help
Writing a eulogy for your colleague can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer to write the first 150 words for free — based on your memories. It’s a gentle first step, so you don’t have to face the blank page alone.
No cost. No pressure. Just a little help when you need it most.
Writing a eulogy for your colleague — whether you say Colleague, Teammate, Mentor, or even a nickname from the workplace — is not about saying everything. It’s about saying something true. With even a few heartfelt words, you can honour their memory, bring comfort to others, and carry their story forward with respect and dignity.
Your colleague’s influence lives on in the teamwork you shared, the lessons they taught, and the moments — both big and small — that shaped your time together. By offering even a glimpse of who they were, you help keep their spirit alive — felt in the stories retold, in the workplace traditions they helped create, and in the legacy of collaboration, guidance, and camaraderie they leave behind.
