May 13th, 2026

How to Write a Eulogy for a Coworker or Colleague

Some relationships are built in the workplace—but extend far beyond it.

You may not have shared childhood memories or family traditions.

But you shared something else:

Time. Effort. Challenges. Conversations. Daily life.

And sometimes, those shared days turn into something meaningful.

So when a coworker or colleague passes away, and you are asked to speak, you may find yourself asking:

What do I say… and how personal should it be?

The answer is simple:

Be respectful. Be sincere. And speak to the impact they had.

Free Guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

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Understand Your Role

When speaking about a coworker, your role is slightly different than that of a family member or close friend.

You represent a part of their life that others may not fully see.

You can speak to:

• Their work ethic
• Their character in professional settings
• How they treated others day to day

That perspective is valuable.

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Start with Your Connection

Begin by briefly explaining how you knew them.

For example:

“I had the privilege of working alongside [Name] for many years.”

Or:

“We spent countless days working together, and over time, that became more than just a professional relationship.”

This sets the stage naturally.

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Download the Free Guide: What to Say When Words Are Hard

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Focus on Their Character at Work

Work reveals a lot about a person.

How they handle stress. How they treat others. How they show up day after day.

Think about:

• Were they dependable?
• Did they support others?
• Did they bring humor or calm to the workplace?

You might say:

“They were the kind of person you could count on—steady, reliable, and always willing to help.”

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Highlight the Human Side

Even in a professional setting, people reveal who they are.

Think about what made them human, not just productive.

For example:

• Their kindness
• Their sense of humor
• Their small daily habits

You might say:

“It wasn’t just the work they did—it was the way they made people feel while doing it.”

That’s what people remember.

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Share a Story or Moment

Even in the workplace, there are moments that stand out.

A project. A conversation. A difficult situation handled with grace.

Choose one that reflects who they were.

For example:

“I remember a time when things were especially stressful, and while others felt overwhelmed, they stayed calm and helped everyone else get through it. That was who they were.”

Stories create connection.

If you want to preserve those kinds of memories more deeply, consider: Legacy Letters

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Respect the Audience

You are speaking in a room that likely includes family members, friends, and coworkers.

Keep your words:

• Respectful
• Accessible
• Appropriate for all listeners

Avoid overly technical or work-specific language.

Focus on universal qualities.

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Keep the Balance Right

This is not just a work tribute.

It’s a remembrance of a life.

Balance professional respect with personal warmth.

For example:

“They were excellent at what they did—but more importantly, they were a good person to be around.”

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Simple Phrases You Can Use

If you’re unsure how to phrase things, here are a few lines you can adapt:

• “They made the workplace better simply by being part of it.”
• “They treated people with respect and kindness, every day.”
• “They brought more than skill—they brought character.”
• “They will be missed, not just for what they did, but for who they were.”

These statements feel both professional and personal.

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A Short Example

“Working with [Name] meant knowing you had someone you could rely on. They brought consistency, care, and a quiet strength to everything they did. But more than that, they made the workplace a better place—through their kindness, their presence, and the way they treated others. That is how I will remember them.”

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End with Respect and Gratitude

A strong closing acknowledges both loss and appreciation.

You might say:

“We are grateful for the time we shared, the work we did together, and the person they were. They will not be forgotten.”

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Get your free guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

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A Final Thought

Work is where many of us spend a large part of our lives.

And the people we work with become part of that story.

When you speak about a colleague--

You are honoring not just their work, but their presence.

And that is something that truly matters.