10 Funeral Poems for a Grandad

These lovely funeral poems for a grandad includes verses that are poignant and moving, while others are an uplifting way to celebrate the life that a grandfather lived.

People often choose to include poems at a funeral, as an alternative to a religious text, as part of a eulogy, or among a variety of songs, hymns when planning a funeral service.

1. Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

This famous funeral poem was written by Mary Elizabeth Frye in the 1930s, and is an uplifting funeral poem for a grandad. The words convey the comforting message that loved ones who have died live on through the beauty of the natural world, even if they’re no longer here in person.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

2. My Journey’s Just Begun

This funeral poem for grandad reassures us he will always be with us in spirit, although we are filled with sadness. The comforting words by poet Ellen Brenneman encourage us to think of the love we shared, and remind us that loved ones never truly leave us, but will live forever in our hearts.

Don't think of me as gone away
My journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is but one
Just think of me as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think of how I must be wishing
That you could know today
How nothing but your sadness
Can really go away
And think of me as living
In the hearts of those I touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And I know I was loved so much

3. Away

This uplifting funeral poem by James Whitcomb Riley is an appropriate choice for a grandfather’s funeral. The comforting words send a message of hope by inviting us to imagine that the person who has died has embarked upon a new journey.

I cannot say and I will not say
That he is dead, he is just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of hand
He has wandered into an unknown land;
And left us dreaming how very fair
Its needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you-oh you, who the wildest yearn
From the old-time step and the glad return –

Think of his faring on, as dear
In the love of there, as the love of here
Think of him still the same way, I say;
He is not dead, he is just away.

4. He Is Gone by David Harkins

This is one of the most popular memorial poems of all time, and a perfect funeral poem for grandad. Poet David Harkins’ words encourage us to celebrate grandad’s life and legacy and remind us not to focus on his death, but to remember all the special things he did when he was alive.

The title is often modified to She Is Gone and was chosen by the Queen for the Queen Mother’s funeral in 2002.

You can shed tears
that he is gone.
Or you can smile because he lived.
You can close your eyes and
pray that he will come back.
Or you can open your eyes and
see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because
you can’t see him.
Or you can be full of the love
that you shared,
You can turn your back on
tomorrow and live for yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow
because of yesterday.
You can remember him and
only that he is gone.
Or you can cherish his
memory and let it live on,
You can cry, close your mind,
be empty, and turn your back.
Or you can do what he would
have wanted, smile, open your
eyes, love and move on.

5. Grandad

This funeral poem for grandad was written by poet Fiona Bourke, after her own grandfather’s unexpected death. She reminds us that someone’s memory will never leave us. This is a beautiful tribute poem for a special grandad who will be sorely missed. Here’s how it begins:

Grandad,
We know you can no longer stay with us,
you fought long and hard to be with us.
We know you now watch over and protect us.
Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling face,
We know deep down in our hearts that you have not left us.

6. A Poem for My Grandad by Dennis Taylor

This poem was written by Dennis Taylor from the perspective of a young boy whose grandad has died. Looking at loss through a child’s eyes, it is the younger generation that reassures the old.

And now that you're not here, Granddad
I'll give double hugs to Nan.
Goodnight, God bless you, Granddad,
From your loving ‘little man’

7. As I Look Up To The Skies Above

This funeral poem for grandad by an unknown author uses beautiful and poetic language to convey how different and sadly altered the world may appear to us now that he’s no longer with us. The words also remind us how truly blessed we were to have had such a special person in our life.

As I look up to the skies above,
The stars stretch endlessly–
But somehow all those rays of light
Seem dimmer now to me.
As I watch the morning sun appear,
The shadows still don’t fade —
As if the brightest light of all
Was somehow swept away.
Though I see the branches swaying,
And watch their dancing leaves–
The echoes carried on the wind
Don’t sound the same to me.
As I listen to the morning birds
Sing softly from afar –
It seems to be a mournful tune
That echoes in my heart.
Another day has come again,
As time moves surely on –
But nothing now seems quite the same,
To know that he is gone.
The days and weeks and months ahead
Will never be the same –
Because a treasure beyond words
Can never be replaced.
The loss cannot be measured now,
The void cannot be filled –
And though someday the grief may fade,
His mark will live on still.
For even with my heavy heart,
I know that I’ve been blessed
To have been one whose life he touched
With warmth so infinite.

8. Grandfather Kept a Garden

This beautiful funeral poem compares a grandfather’s life to a beautiful garden. The words express gratitude for grandad’s love and protection and remind us that his legacy will live on through us.

Our Grandfather kept a garden,
A garden of the heart;
He planted all the good things,
That gave our lives their start.
He turned us to the sunshine,
And encouraged us to dream:
Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem.
And then the winds and rain came,
He protected us enough;
But not too much because he knew
We would stand up strong and tough.
His constant good example,
Always taught us right from wrong;
Markers for our pathway that will last
a lifetime long.
We are our Grandfather’s garden,
We are his legacy.
Thank you Grandfather, we love you.

9. To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me

This beautiful funeral poem is a good choice for a grandfather’s funeral with its bittersweet acknowledgement of grief, mixed with hope for the future. The words remind us to be grateful for the happy times we shared and to trust that grandad will always be close to us in spirit.

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I travelled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’ see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home.

10. Celebrate

This memorial poem is a beautiful choice for a grandfather’s funeral service. The words encourage us to remember someone’s life, love and legacy, rather than dwell upon a death.

Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet fight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life

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