How to Write a Tribute to a Deceased Coworker

Mary Dowd reports:

"Losing a coworker can be especially painful when you knew each other well and felt like family. Paying tribute to a deceased coworker shows respect and acknowledges the sadness that may permeate the workplace. Taking time to celebrate the life of the coworker offers an opportunity to share memories and recall stories of how the coworker made a difference in the lives of others. Tributes can be small or large depending on the circumstances and the wishes of those closest to the coworker who passed away. Some companies extend an invitation to family members of the deceased if they live in the area. Mutual support during the grieving process can facilitate a sense of closure and acceptance of the loss...Management should take the lead in promptly informing employees of the death of a coworker. In some cases, employees may have already heard about it on the news if the coworker died in an automobile accident or plane crash, for example. Other times, the death may have followed chronic illness and hospitalization. Regardless of the circumstances, an announcement should be made to all those connected to the coworker, including vendors and other individuals outside the organization who had a close working relationship with the deceased. The announcement should be brief and include information on services, if available...The timing of the tribute is very important to discuss. First, consider the circumstances under which the coworker died. If the death was unexpected such as a heart attack or fatal accident, employees may need time to get past the initial shock of hearing the news. Employees may have difficulty focusing and doing their job if a beloved coworker died violently. Many companies offer referrals to employee assistance or on[-]site counselors and offer information on the grieving process. Stanford University stresses the importance of dispelling rumors, clarifying facts and talking about feelings following a traumatic loss. Secondly, discuss whether to hold a tribute soon after funeral services or at a later date. For example, you may wish to hold a tribute after the holidays if the death occurs in December. Or you can wait until the weather outside is amenable to a large, outdoor service...A farewell tribute to a colleague who passed away can take many forms. A tribute can be a few words spoken at a memorial, written acknowledgment of the loss in a newsletter, a company luncheon or memorial gathering, a gift to the family, planting of a tree or all of the above. Written tributes should be very personal and written by someone who had close ties to the coworker who died. One of the biggest faux pas is when a tribute could describe almost anyone in the company who worked hard and did their job. Discuss possible ideas for a tribute consistent with any protocols the company may have in place. For example, some companies send a bouquet of flowers to the funeral home or make a donation to a charitable cause like the American Cancer Society in the name of the deceased. If the coworker was well[-]known and active in the community, a scholarship might be created to honor the coworker’s interest in expanding opportunities for underprivileged youth, for example...The deceased worker’s supervisor or a close friend from work may be asked by the family to give a eulogy tribute at a memorial service. Include specific examples of how the coworker helped others and contributed to the success of the organization...Sample Posts suggests mentioning the specific roles the coworker played at the company and briefly describing important accomplishments. However, the tribute should avoid sounding like a recitation of a resume. Focus more on the personal qualities that helped your coworker achieve success...Memorial tributes are an excellent way of commemorating the life of a deceased coworker. A tribute can also be uplifting and offer reassurance that the deceased coworker's contributions and legacy will live on, according to AARP. A farewell tribute to a colleague who passed away is best organized by friends of the deceased. The program might include live or recorded musical selections, slide show, eulogy, candle lighting, readings and an open mic for anyone wishing to say a few words about their departed colleague. A reception with food and beverages often follows...If your deceased worker was part of your small, close-knit group, consider taking a trip in their honor...University Health Services (UHS) at UC Berkeley suggests finding ways of honoring the deceased coworker that benefit others...When deciding how to pay tribute to a deceased coworker, consider the precedent that is being set. Having guidelines in place for memorial tributes can be helpful to ensure that all employees who pass away are appropriately acknowledged, not just those who are high up in the organization. Also consider the wishes of the family when planning services. Some families may appreciate a big company-hosted memorial service, while others would prefer to grieve privately with their immediate family and close friends."