Obituary Examples for a Husband
Writing your husband's obituary means summarising a shared life from inside it. These examples show three honest registers — the composed short form, the personal portrait, and the faith-anchored farewell. Take the shape; the marriage will supply the words.
Short and dignified
Michael Anthony Reid, 67, of Durban North, passed away on 11 July 2026 with his wife at his side. Born on 5 June 1959, he spent 34 years as a high-school mathematics teacher, and considered every past pupil who greeted him at the shops his proudest qualification. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol; his children, Jessica and Daniel; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Northlands Methodist Church on Thursday at 14:00.
Personal and warm
Gregory Paul Naidoo, 58, my husband and the loudest man in every room worth being in, died on 18 July 2026. Born on 27 October 1967, Greg braaied in the rain, cried at every graduation including ones of children he barely knew, and never once returned a borrowed trailer late. He built our house with his brothers, our savings with patience, and our family with a laugh you could find in a crowded mall. He leaves me, Priya, after 32 years that were not enough; our sons, Kiara and Ashwin; his mother, Violet; and a garage of tools his sons must now learn to deserve. Drive safely, my love. You always said it first.
Faith-centered
Pastor William "Bill" Mthembu, 71, was received into glory on 24 July 2026, his wife's hand in his and a psalm on the radio. Born on 12 April 1955, he pastored Ebenezer Community Church for 28 years, marrying, burying, and baptising three decades of one neighbourhood — often all in the same week. He is survived by his wife and co-labourer of 44 years, Grace; his children, Blessing, Faith, and Emmanuel; and every marriage he counselled back from the edge. His last sermon, four Sundays ago, ended: "Love is patient. Start there." We will, Bill. — 1 Corinthians 13.
Writing tips for a husband's obituary
- First person is allowed. "He leaves me, Priya, after 32 years that were not enough" is the truest sentence a wife can print.
- Include the number — years married is the number readers look for, and the one you earned together.
- One domestic detail (the braai, the trailer, the tools) will undo the congregation more than any eulogy. Use it.
- If writing is too much right now, the editor's helper drafts from a few facts — you can soften it into your voice afterwards.
Common questions
Should the obituary be from "the family" or from me?+
Either is correct. Traditional third person ("he is survived by") reads formally; first person from a spouse is increasingly common and deeply moving. Choose the one you can bear to read aloud.
What if we were separated or it was complicated?+
Print what is true and generous: the years, the children, the good that was real. An obituary is a mercy, not an affidavit.