ENG1D
Novel Study
Writing an Obituary
Publishing an Obituary
The average length of an obituary is about 200 words but it can be as
long as 450 words or as few as 50 words. For our purposes here, aim
for between 200 – 450 words.
What do I write in an Obituary?
To help you with this task, consider that most obituaries will contain
the following information about the deceased:






Full name of the deceased
Date and place of birth
Date and place of death
Surviving Family
Date, time and address of funeral
Date, time and address of memorial service





Date, time and address of burial service
Address of cemetery or mausoleum
Officiating Clergy
Memorial contributions to be made in lieu of
flowers to:
Photo
Surviving Family
Depending on space allowed in the newspaper obituaries section, Surviving Family may include:



Spouse's name
Children's names and the cities where they
reside
Grandchildren and the cities where they
reside



Parents and the cities where they reside
Siblings and the cities where they reside
Significant friends, relatives and partners
and the cities where they reside
Additional Information
You might wish to include the following information if you have space and the details are
appropriate, but is not necessary:









Cause of Death
Education
Religious Affiliations
Professional Memberships
Participation in local or national
organizations
Military Service


Occupation and employment history
Accomplishments, achievements, awards
Publications either written about or by the
deceased
Hobbies or Activities
Acts of humanitarianism
Use what you know from the story to fill in these pieces of information for the character you
have chosen. Where there is no information, feel free to make it up, but stay consistent with
what the character who the author has presented.
Although the writing of an obituary has generally a serious and/or sombre tone, that is not
necessarily always the case. Have a look at an example of a more humorous obituary on the
following page.
Rehm
Writing an Obituary
1 of 2
ENG1D
Novel Study
Blanchard, Michael "Flathead"
1944 ~ 2012
A Celebration of the life of Michael "Flathead" Blanchard will be held on April
14th, 3 pm 8160 Rosemary St, Commerce City. Weary of reading obituaries
noting someone's courageous battle with death, Mike wanted it known that he
died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors' orders and raising
hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed booze, guns, cars and younger women
until the day he died.
Mike was born July 1944 in Colorado to Clyde and Ethel Blanchard. A community
activist, he is noted for saving the Dr. Justina Ford house from demolition and
defending those who could not defend themselves. He was a Republican delegate,
life member of the NRA, founder and President of the Dead Cats MC. He loved
music.
Mike was preceded in death by Clyde and Ethel Blanchard, survived by his
beloved sons Mike and Chopper, former wife Jane Transue, brother Stephen
Blanchard (Susan), Uncle Don and Aunt Cynthia Blanchard(his favorite); Uncle
Dill and Aunt Dot, cousins and nephews, Baba Yaga can kiss his butt. So many of
his childhood friends that weren't killed in Vietnam went on to become criminals,
prostitutes and/or Democrats. He asks that you stop by and re-tell the stories he
can no longer tell. As the Celebration will contain Adult material we respectfully
ask that no children under 18 attend.
When you have finished the assignment, post it to the Rehmworld blog.
Rehm
Writing an Obituary
2 of 2