Writing a eulogy for your brother is a special way to honor his memory. Composing a eulogy can take time, but can be a lot easier to do if you stay organized, ask for help if needed, and use simple tips to help guide your process.
How to Write a Eulogy for a Brother
As you begin the eulogy writing process, be sure that you are in the proper headspace to do so. If you need a break, or need to resume at a different time, that's totally okay. To begin the process:
- Jot down favorite memories and stories- can ask family members and friends for help.
- Set the tone (serious, lighthearted, appropriately funny).
- Write a rough draft that includes an opening paragraph, special memories, and closing thoughts.
- Revise your work and proofread.
- Practice the speech in front of someone who will give you honest feedback.
- Once finalized, continue practicing.
How Do I Start a Eulogy for My Brother?
The opening of the eulogy often includes a welcome to those attending the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life service. It's best practice to focus the opening of the eulogy on your brother, rather than yourself. The start of the eulogy may include:
- State relationship to the deceased individual and use their name in describing the relationship. For example, "(Deceased individual's name) was my (older or younger) brother."
- Share a few sentences about your relationship with your sibling. You can touch on a brief childhood memory here, but think of it like a snapshot.
- You can mention those that your brother was closest to in the family, as well as best friends.
How to Introduce Yourself in Your Brother's Eulogy
Many eulogy speeches have the speaker introduce themselves after they welcome those who have come to honor the deceased individual. Examples of eulogy introductions for a brother include:
- "Good morning and thank you all for being here today to honor (insert deceased individual's name). I'm (insert your name), and (insert deceased individual's name) was my brother."
- "Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate the life of (insert deceased individuals' name). My name is (insert your name), and (insert deceased individual's name) was my brother."
What Should be Included in My Brother's Eulogy?
All eulogies will be unique and what's included or excluded will depend on the speaker's style. In addition to the standard information included in eulogies, your brother's may include:
- A brief snapshot of your childhood with your brother
- A brief mention of those who your brother was closest to in the family, as well as friends
- Sharing a special, poignant, or appropriately lighthearted memory that captures the essence of your brother
- A summary of your brother's positive personality traits and how that played out in his life
- His personal accomplishments and proudest moments
- A poem to honor your brother
Short Eulogy Examples for Brother
Reading sample eulogies can help you create a template for your own, unique eulogy speech for your brother. Some short eulogy examples include:
Eulogy Example for Brother-in-Law
"Hello and thank you all for being here today. My name is (insert name), and (insert deceased individual's name) was my brother-in-law. (Insert deceased individual's name) was an incredible partner to my sister and fit into our family perfectly. To me, we felt like brothers from the second my sister started dating him. He was warm, kind, and always ready to have a good time. Over the years, we all watched in awe as he excelled in his career as a (insert career), but always managed to remain humble. He has always been an incredible support system for all of us, but especially my sister. I remember him dropping everything and driving cross country to comfort my sister when her best friend got into an accident. That's just the kind of guy (insert deceased individual's name) was. (Insert deceased individual's name) will be missed by many, but we will never forget the love we all shared as a family. Thank you all for being here today."
Eulogy for Estranged Brother
"Thank you for being here today to honor, (insert deceased individual's name). I'm (insert name) and (insert deceased individual's name) was my older brother. (Insert deceased individual's name) and I didn't always get along. In fact, it was rare that we saw eye to eye- nevertheless, he was my brother and will always have a place in my heart. (Insert deceased individual's name) was a passionate, brilliant, and curious person, and had been so ever since we were little. As an adult, he was highly accomplished, and extremely driven in his line of work. (Insert deceased individual's name) loved to hike, spend time with animals, and read anything he could get his hands on. He was especially passionate about volunteer work, and even in the last years of his life, he dedicated himself to helping others. He has touched so many lives and will be missed by many. Thank you all for coming out to honor him today."
Eulogy for Brother With Alcohol Use Disorder or Other Difficulties
"Today we are all here to honor (insert deceased individual's name). My name is (insert name) and (insert deceased individual's name) was my younger brother. I want to give a special thank you to the aunts, uncles, and cousins who flew quite a long distance to be with us today- know that it is appreciated. As many of you know, (insert deceased individual's name) had his struggles, and tried for quite some time to overcome them. Despite what he was dealing with, (insert deceased individual's name) was a courageous and kind soul who went the extra mile for those he cared about. As a kid, I remember him so lovingly saving a baby bird who had fallen out of its nest, and as an adult, he kept that same, gentle spirit. He will be deeply missed by many- I love you (insert deceased individual's name). Thank you."
Eulogy From a Sister
"(Insert deceased individual's name) was my younger brother and I know he would have been happy to know that all of you are here to honor his life today. My name is (insert name) and I've known (insert deceased individual's name) my entire life. When (insert deceased individual's name) came into this world, I knew my life would be forever changed. I loved having a brother more than anything and often pretended to be his mom growing up. Although we all feel (insert deceased individual's name) was taken far too soon from this world, I know that he lived a beautiful life and has changed the world for the better. I will miss (insert deceased individual's name) every day for the rest of my life and feel so lucky to have shared such incredible memories with him. Thank you."
Eulogy From a Brother
"Today we are here to honor (insert deceased individual's name), my brother- I'm (insert name). Having a brother growing up wasn't always the easiest, but as we got older, I realized I truly had a partner in crime, someone to always have my back, and support me. (Insert deceased individual's name) was generous, loving, and dedicated to his family. He was always there, at the drop of a hat, if you needed anything. I remember him flying me to New York, when I went through a rough patch. That's just who he was- always thinking of others, and always there, especially for his family. The world will truly never be the same without (insert deceased individual's name), but I will hold the memory of him close to my heart for the rest of my days. Thank you."
Eulogy From a Friend Who Was Like a Brother
"Thank you for being here today. I am speaking on behalf of the (insert surname) family. My name is (insert name), and although (insert deceased individual's name) and I weren't technically blood related, we might as well have been. We grew up next to each other and for as long as I can remember, (insert deceased individual's name) has always been there for me- every special memory, every breakup, every misstep, every success- (insert deceased individual's name) was there. I don't have the words to express quite how heartbroken I am about this loss, and I don't know what life will look like without (insert deceased individual's name), but I do know that I have been incredibly lucky to have shared such amazing memories with this person. Thank you."
Ask For Help
Writing a eulogy can feel daunting and can be especially challenging to put together while you are grieving. Know that it is totally okay to reach out for help with writing the eulogy, as well as for grief support. Grief can cause mental fogginess and general fatigue, on top of other uncomfortable and/or emotionally draining symptoms, so be sure to listen to yourself, take breaks when needed, and reach out for appropriate help if you are struggling.
What to Write About Your Brother
Writing a eulogy for your brother may feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you are in the midst of grieving. Take your time, reach out for help if you would like some support, and write from your heart.
