Top 10 Grandad Funeral Poems
The loss of a grandad marks the passing of a family's cornerstone, a bearer of stories, wisdom, and an immense reservoir of love. In the wake of such a loss, families seek solace in rituals and words that encapsulate their grief and respect for the departed. A grandad funeral poem can be a profound tribute, encapsulating the myriad emotions felt when someone dies.
These poems, often included in funeral invitations or shared by a funeral director during a wake, offer a way to express the indescribable, providing comfort and connection through the shared experience of loss.
Here are ten poignant grandad funeral poems that resonate deeply, each serving as a touching funeral quote and a tribute to the legacy of beloved grandfathers.
1. "He Is Gone" by David Harkins
"You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he has lived."
This poem beautifully frames the choice to celebrate a grandad’s life and cherish the memories, making it a fitting sentiment for a wake or as part of a funeral invitation.
2. "Remember Me" by Margaret Mead
"Remember me with smiles not tears,
For all the joy through all the years."
Encouraging smiles and the recollection of joy, Mead's words are a comforting funeral quote, reminding us of the happiness a grandad brought into our lives.
3. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Clare Harner
"Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."
A universally beloved poem that offers solace in the idea of eternal presence, it’s a profound choice for expressing sentiments when someone dies.
4. "Grandad" by Unknown
"A heart of gold stopped beating,
Two shining eyes at rest."
This poem tenderly acknowledges the loss and the unique presence of a grandad, suitable for recitation by a funeral director or a family member.
5. "My Grandfather’s Clock" by Henry Clay Work
"Ninety years without slumbering,
His life seconds numbering."
Though originally a song, these lines poignantly metaphorise a grandad’s life as a clock — consistent, reliable, and deeply missed when stopped.
6. "Legacy of Love" by Unknown
"A grandad leaves behind a legacy of love,
A treasure for the ones who mean the most."
Highlighting the invaluable legacy left behind, this poem is a touching addition to a funeral invitation, encapsulating a grandad's enduring love.
7. "God Saw You Getting Tired" by Unknown
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you and whispered, ‘Come to Me’."
It is a comforting verse that many families choose for its message of peaceful rest and divine care, ideal for sharing during a wake.
8. "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
Though not specifically about grandfathers, this poem's message of support and unseen presence can beautifully apply to the guiding role a grandad plays.
9. "To My Grandfather" by George Bacovia
"And now he walks in me, forever and ever,
My eternal grandfather – I bear his name."
Bacovia’s reflection on carrying forward a grandad’s legacy is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of familial bonds.
10. "The Old Man’s Comforts and How He Gained Them" by Robert Southey
"You are old, Father William, the young man cried,
And life must be hastening away."
Southey’s dialogue, through its humour and wit, celebrates the vitality and spirit of age, making it a unique choice for remembering a grandad known for his zest for life.