Writing an obituary for your brother means putting into words someone who knew you in a way most people never will. The shared history, the inside jokes, the years of being in the same orbit — this guide will help you honor all of it.
Brothers occupy a particular place — neither parent nor child, but something uniquely their own. Was he the oldest who set the tone? The one everyone called first? The one who made every gathering louder? Name that role specifically.
Brothers often have deep friendships that are like a second family. If he had people like that in his life — a group he'd known for decades, teammates, coworkers who became something more — acknowledge them.
You knew him well enough to go beyond the generic. His humor, his stubbornness, his particular way of doing things. The thing he always said. Use what you know — that's what no one else can provide.
Losing a brother too soon is a particular kind of grief. Honor what he built and gave in the time he had — not framing his life as incomplete, but as fully lived within its span.
Begin with their full name, age, where they lived, and the date they passed. Then move into what made them who they were — their life's work, their family, their character. The opening line sets the tone for everything that follows.
Most obituaries run 200–500 words. For newspaper placement, shorter is often necessary due to per-word costs. Online obituaries have no limit. Write as much as it takes to honor them — no more, no less.
Start with facts: name, dates, where they lived, who they're survived by. Then ask yourself what you would want a stranger to know about them. What would you tell someone who never got to meet them? That answer is usually the heart of the obituary.
One person typically writes a first draft and shares it with close family before finalizing. If siblings have different perspectives, a brief family conversation about what matters most to include usually helps. The goal is a tribute everyone feels represents him honestly.