How to Write a Condolence Letter on Someone’s Death
Writing a condolence letter is a tricky task, and often exposes some of the most highly educated and professional persons. It is more to manners in which you convey your feelings over death of your colleague, friend, friend’s family member, relative or any other person you may have known. Some times it is a matter of courtesy to write a letter, especially if died one was a politician, celebrity or any other public figure.
First, start body of the condolence letter by letting the recipient or a grieved family member know how you have heard about death of person you about to offer your condolences about. It can be newspaper, through friends or through any other source. Just give a hint at least how you have come to know about death of the person.
Second in the next paragraph you express your feelings about death of the person, which is all of sudden or sometimes the person is ill long before. Your words should express that you are genuinely felt sorry about the demise of the person. Avoid exaggeration.
Third, you should express in few words how you had known the person. Try to be generous in writing some of his fine qualities and characteristics you know that the person had possessed. For example, if he was a very sociable personality, honest and hardworking. Concise and accurate picture f the person is better than lengthy a write-up, which may appear to be artificial at the end.
In the last paragraph is highly recommended that you make an offer for all possible help to the grieved family members. It is the best part of your feelings if you are a professional and in a position of helping out the family in any way. It can make your message more realistic and close-felt for the family.
You should close your letter with genuinely heartfelt words, as opening and closing are the two ends of the letter that get more attention of the reader.
Instructions
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Sample of Condolence Letter
Nelson George
23rd Wilson Road
London, UK
EC1 9ft
ngeorge@xyz.com
202-1-123456
January 17 2013
Mr Laura Smith
7th Avenue
East Park Avenue
London, UK
EC1 7LT
Dear Mrs Smith
May I please take an opportunity here to offer my sincere condolences over sudden demise of your husband, which I have just become aware of through my friends. I am so sorry to hear the news of this tragic loss.
I have a honour of working with Mr. Smith for about three years, and found him a genuine and kind personality. He particularly proved to be very encouraging to his younger staff, and I personally have benefited to an extent from his supporting and encouraging attitude. He no doubt was a great personality and will be long remembered within his social circles, colleagues and friends.
I am personally moved to hear his loss of all sudden. Hope you are able to cope with this irreparable loss with courage. I pray that the departed soul rests in eternal peace.
Please let me know if I can be of any help in any matter. I will be happy to offer as much assistance and help as I can in any matter you might need a help in.
With prayers and regards
Nelson George -
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Template of Condolence Letter
(Your Name)
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code}
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Date: __/__/____
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear Mr. /Ms. [Last Name of Recipient]
Please accept my heartiest condolences over death of your husband. I have become aware of the sudden demise of Mr. (give name of person) while reading obituary in a local newspaper. I was genuinely moved over sudden passing away of (Mr. Sir Name).
I happened to know Mr (sir name) for last six years, and he has proved to be very encouraging personality for me in all sphere of my life. He is particularly more supportive and a guide in the office. I have had the opportunity to learn and grow under supervision.
He was very popular figure among all colleagues and staff. His sense of humour generally positive attitude about the work and towards the staff were some of his qualities, for which he will be long remembered by his colleagues.
Please let me know if I can offer any assistance in any matter, in which require a help. I will be happy to extend a helping hand.
I pray the departed soul rests in eternal peace, and you are able to cope with loss of your husband with great courage.
Kind regards
(Your Name) -
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Closing
