Obituary Examples for a Grandfather
A grandfather's obituary often spans the most history — wars, moves, trades that no longer exist, and a family tree he planted himself. These examples show three honest shapes for it.
Short and formal
Hendrik Johannes van Wyk, 86, of Paarl, passed away on 14 July 2026. Born on 2 March 1940, he farmed the same land for six decades, serving his community as elder, neighbour, and quiet benefactor. He is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Pieter, Marie, and Johan; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The service will be held at NG Kerk Paarl-Vallei on Saturday at 10:00.
Warm, with his story
Joseph "Mkhulu Joe" Radebe, 89, died peacefully on 17 July 2026, one week after winning his last game of morabaraba. Born in 1937, he went underground at nineteen and worked the mines for thirty-one years, sending home the money that schooled two teachers, a nurse, and an accountant. In retirement he held court under the marula tree, dispensing sweets, stories, and judgments no court could overturn. He leaves his children, Elizabeth, Solomon, Agnes, and David; nineteen grandchildren; and the marula tree, which stands. Lala ngoxolo, Mkhulu.
Faith-centered
Elder Thomas Brown, 83, completed his earthly journey on 23 July 2026. Baptised at fourteen, he served his church for sixty-nine years — as Sunday school teacher, board chairman, and the deep bass note every hymn leaned on. Born on 9 September 1942, he drove a bus by day and lived his sermon daily, believing that how a man treats the passengers nobody greets is the whole of religion. He is survived by his children, Deborah and Michael; eight grandchildren; and a church that will keep his seat empty this Sunday, because nobody could fill it. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." — Psalm 37:23.
Writing tips for a grandfather's obituary
- Name the trade and the years — "underground at nineteen, thirty-one years" is a history lesson and a tribute in one line.
- What did he do every day in retirement? The marula tree, the morning walk, the crossword — that is where grandchildren remember him.
- If he had a signature phrase or blessing, quote it exactly. It will be read in his voice.
- Military, mine, or railway service deserves its line — men of his generation earned those details.
Common questions
How formal should a grandfather's obituary be?+
As formal as he was. A man who wore a tie to the shop deserves formal prose; a man who held court in a floppy hat deserves his humour kept intact. Match the register to the man.
Can we mention how he died?+
Optional. "After a long illness" or "peacefully at home" is as much as most families share; the obituary is about the life, not the ending.