A Eulogy Writer? On Substack? Wait, what?

Why I’ve Joined Substack as a Eulogy Writer and What You Can Expect Here

There’s an old saying that everyone has a story worth telling. The irony is that, more often than not, those stories only surface after someone has left this world.

We begin to reflect on their life, their legacy, the imprints they left behind, and we suddenly realise just how much their existence meant. But that moment of realisation also comes with a challenge - how do we put into words the essence of someone’s life?

How do we honour them, not just through a mere recounting of events, but through a heartfelt narrative that resonates with who they truly were?

That’s where I come in. My name is Gary, and I’ve joined Substack as a eulogy writer to help people tell the stories of those they’ve lost.

While eulogies are traditionally reserved for funerals, I believe there’s much more to explore in this space, and my hope is to create a platform that becomes a comforting place for those navigating grief.

A space where people can not only find solace in reading (hopefully) beautifully crafted tributes but can also understand the healing power of stories - both written and spoken.

But before I get into what you can expect from subscribing to my Substack, let me take a moment to explain how I ended up here, and why I believe eulogies hold a unique place in our lives.

My Journey to Becoming a Eulogy Writer

People often ask me how I came to write eulogies. It’s not exactly the kind of career you pick out of a school careers book, is it? The truth is, it wasn’t something I planned.

Writing has always been part of my life in various forms, from early diaries to copying the Top 30 pop charts in an A4 notebook every week (and yes, I still have them!). I’ve now been a professional writer for nearly 20 years.

I started writing course descriptions for a training company before moving on to technical manuals for a telecoms company. Nice enough, but not exactly the kind of writing to get your creative juices flowing!

After going freelance, in the last 15 years, I’ve made a living through copywriting. I’ve had the pleasure of writing countless blog posts on a mind-boggling range of topics, I’ve ghost-written numerous magazine articles, published books and more website content than I care to think about, but never a eulogy, at least not until fairly recently.

My father had a stroke in August 2021 and sadly passed away a few months later. Being a writer, I was the one asked to draft the eulogy. As hard as it was to write (and it was), I discovered the true impact that words can have during such a pivotal moment in someone’s life.

Sadly that process had to be relived just two years later when my Mum also passed away. I felt like I’d found a calling. The experience of writing those eulogies was, for lack of a better word, transformative.

I spent hours talking to my family, learning about his parent’s lives, the ups and downs, the quirks, and the small yet significant moments that defined who they were.

When it was all said and done, those attending the service all commented on how good it was. Many of them told me I ‘should do it for a living’. It was nice to hear but the emotional toil didn’t feel like something I could put myself through full-time. But that was the beginning.

Eventually that feeling of “thanks but I don’t think so” gradually evolved into “Hmmmm, maybe I will…”

Since then, I’ve had the honour of writing eulogies for people from all walks of life. Each one has been unique, reflecting the individual essence of the person being remembered, and each time, I’m reminded of the deep privilege it is to be trusted with someone’s legacy.

Why Eulogies Matter More Than We Realise

Eulogies are often thought of as the final farewell, the last thing said before we put someone to rest. But I believe they’re much more than that.

They are not just a summary of someone’s accomplishments or a list of milestones. A well-written eulogy is an art form, an act of love, and, most importantly, a bridge between life and memory.

In the eulogies I write, I strive to capture the spirit of the person - not just what they did, but who they were. Their humour, their kindness, their imperfections, and their humanity. Because, at the end of the day, a person’s true legacy is found not in the grand gestures, but in the small, everyday moments that made them who they were to the people who loved them.

Eulogies also serve as a way for the living to process grief. They certainly were for me when writing them for my parents.

By putting thoughts and emotions into words, we’re able to come to terms with loss in a way that is both cathartic and healing. When you hear or read a well-crafted eulogy, it doesn’t just remind you of the person who has passed- it can help you find closure, comfort, and even inspiration.

What You Can Expect by Subscribing

So, why Substack? Why this platform, and what can you expect if you choose to subscribe?

For me, Substack is the perfect space to not only share my work as a eulogy writer but to build a community around it.

Eulogies may seem like something that only happens at funerals, but they’re much more universal than that. Even living eulogies are very much a thing!

By subscribing to my Substack, you’ll get to experience the broader scope of what eulogy writing can offer - and I believe that’s something both unique and valuable.

Here’s what you can expect if you subscribe:

1. Eulogies That Inspire and Heal

Every week I’ll be posting something new. I post new blogs on my website (https://www.postscripteulogies.com/blog) and I’ll keep doing that, but in that medium, they’re crafting to appease our SEO overlords and are typically around 1300 words. I want to build on that here.

I plan to share longer-form content or all manner of topics relating the life, death and something in between. I’ll share eulogies I’ve written - either for public figures, historical figures, or individuals whose families have given me permission to share their stories.

These won’t be the typical, sombre eulogies you might expect. While they will always honour the person’s memory, they’ll also celebrate life.

I aim to show you how beautifully life can be reflected through words, even in the face of death.

2. Personal Reflections on Grief and Loss

Grief is an inevitable part of life, yet it’s something we rarely discuss openly.

Through personal essays and reflections, I’ll explore different aspects of loss, from the sharp pain of sudden death to the slow burn of long goodbyes.

My hope is that these posts will offer comfort to those who are grieving, as well as insights for those supporting others through grief.

3. Practical Tips on Writing Eulogies

Not everyone will need a professional eulogy writer, but many will find themselves in the position of having to write one at some point in their lives.

Whether it’s for a family member, a friend, or a colleague, writing a eulogy can be an overwhelming task. I’ll share practical tips, templates, and advice on how to craft a meaningful eulogy, even if writing isn’t your strong suit.

4. A Space for Stories and Memories

One of the most powerful things about eulogies is that they bring people together.

Whether we’re sharing stories about someone we’ve lost or reflecting on our own experiences with grief, there’s a communal element to this process.

I want my Substack to be a space where people can share their own stories and memories, either in response to the eulogies I post or as standalone submissions.

By fostering this sense of community, I hope we can all find solace in the shared human experience of loss - and the love that inevitably accompanies it.

5. Interactive Discussions

I also want to create a dialogue around the topics of life, death, and memory.

Substack allows for a more intimate and interactive platform, where I can respond to comments and engage in meaningful conversations with readers.

Whether you have a question about eulogy writing, want to share your thoughts on a post, or simply need a space to express your grief, I’m here to listen.

Why I Believe This Matters

In our fast-paced, achievement-focused world, we often shy away from the topics of death and grief.

It makes us uncomfortable; it feels too final, too heavy. But the truth is, these are some of the most universal experiences we’ll ever encounter.

Every one of us will face the loss of someone we love, and every one of us will one day leave this world behind.

My goal with this Substack is to create a space where we can approach these topics with compassion, humanity, and - perhaps most importantly - gratitude.

Gratitude for the lives we’ve had the privilege of knowing, and gratitude for the memories that will carry them forward. I believe that in remembering those we’ve lost, we also learn to live more fully ourselves.

By subscribing, you’re joining me on this journey of reflection, storytelling, and, ultimately, healing. Together, we’ll honour lives lived, offer comfort to the grieving, and perhaps even learn a little more about what it means to truly live.

Thank you for being here. I’m deeply grateful for your time, your trust, and your willingness to explore this meaningful path with me.

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