Choosing the right words to honour your father at his funeral can feel like an impossible task. Grief can make it hard to express everything he meant to you. That’s why poems can be so powerful, because they offer a way to reflect on cherished memories, celebrate his life, and capture the unique bond you shared.
But finding the right poem isn’t always easy. It often depends on your dad’s personality and the mood you want to create during the service. Some people are drawn to timeless, traditional verses. Others find comfort in something more modern, light-hearted, or even gently humorous.
Alongside poetry, many families also choose meaningful music to celebrate their father’s life. Our guide to funeral songs for Dad includes touching tracks that can be played during the service or as part of a slideshow tribute.
We’ve written this article to help you find the right words for the occasion, and some suggestions that might suit your memorial, funeral or celebration of life.
We also have a free guide with even more songs, poems and other ideas on how to personalise a funeral service or celebration of life.
Popular funeral poems for Dad
Some funeral poems are popular because they offer universally understood words of love and loss. Even those written over a century ago can offer comfort, reminding us that we all feel grief and that support is never far away.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep" by Clare Harne
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 glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
"Epitaph on a friend" by Robert Burns
An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, the guide of youth;
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d;
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
"If I should go" by Joyce Grenfell
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is Hell
But life goes on
So sing as well.
When choosing a poem, take a moment to think about how you, and those closest to your father, remember him. Try to find words that echo those feelings. It can be comforting to ask friends and family for their thoughts too. Not only can their input help you feel more confident in your choice, but it also helps them feel part of the tribute.
Non-religious funeral poems for your Father
If you're planning a celebration of life or a memorial instead of a traditional funeral, a non-religious poem can be a beautiful way to honour your dad. These poems offer a heartfelt farewell without a spiritual focus, making space for personal meaning and reflection.
"He is gone" by David Harkins
You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has 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 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 and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
"Not how did he die, but how did he live?" by Summer Sandercox
Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
"When I am gone" by Lyman Hancock
When I come to the end of my journey,
And I travel my last weary mile.
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only my smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken:
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.
And come in the shade of the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
"A limb has fallen" by Author Unknown
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.”
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.
"Dad" by Author Unknown
We’ll always remember
That special smile,
That caring heart,
That warm embrace,
You always gave us.
You being there
For Mom and us
Through good and bad times,
No matter what.
We’ll always remember
You Dad because
They’ll never be another one
To replace you in our hearts,
And the love we will always
Have for you.
Non-religious poems allow everyone to connect with the emotion behind the words, no matter their beliefs.
And if the poems above don’t quite feel right, we have more non-religious suggestions for you.
Short and simple funeral poems for Dad
A short poem can be the perfect way to express deep emotions with just a few words. These poems work beautifully at a funeral or celebration of life, and they’re also well-suited for sympathy cards or to accompany condolence flowers.
We also have some more ideas for what to write on funeral flowers.
"Dad" by Author Unknown
You held my hand when I was small,
You caught me when I fell,
The hero of my childhood,
And later years as well.
"Gone but not forgotten" by Author Unknown
Although you are no longer here,
Your memory grows each day,
I cherish all the love you gave,
And miss you more than words can say.
"A Father's love" by Author Unknown
A Father’s love is never gone,
It lives within the heart,
Through every cherished memory,
We’re never far apart.
"Always with me" by Author Unknown
I see you in the rising sun,
I feel you in the air,
Your love still wraps around me,
I know that you are there.
"A hug from heaven" by Author Unknown
If I could have just one more hug,
One more laugh, one more day,
I'd tell you all the things I miss,
Since you went away.
Short poems can be especially powerful when you want something simple yet meaningful. Their concise nature makes them easy to remember and versatile enough to use in a reading, on a card, or even as a lasting keepsake.
Humorous and light-hearted poems for Dad
If your father had a wonderful sense of humour, a light-hearted or witty poem could be the perfect way to remember him. While funerals are often solemn, a gentle smile can be a beautiful way to honour a life filled with laughter and joy.
"Final instructions" by Arnold Crompton
When I’m gone, don’t mourn too long,
I’d hate to see you blue,
Just have a drink and share a laugh,
That’s what I’d want for you.
Tell stories of my finest days,
The silly things I’d do,
Remember how I made you smile,
And I’ll be smiling too.
"My old man" by Author Unknown
He never asked for much in life,
Just work and rest and tea,
A stubborn man, a quiet man,
Who meant the world to me.
He told the worst Dad jokes around,
And laughed at them alone,
He’d say, "You’ll miss my nonsense soon,"
Now, sadly, I have known.
"Heaven’s DIY store" by Author Unknown
I bet he's fixing heaven’s doors,
Or tightening up the stars,
Checking all the pearly gates,
And tuning up the cars.
If something’s loose, he'll sort it out,
Just like he used to do,
So when I hear a creaky floor,
I’ll say, "That must be you!"
"Dad’s parting advice" by Author Unknown
"Don’t waste good beer," he always said,
"And never waste good wine,
Enjoy your days, laugh every night,
And make sure you dine just fine."
"Don't argue with the ones you love,
Unless you know you’re right,
And even then, just let them win,
It saves you from a fight."
"Live your life, have lots of fun,
And always make a toast,
To Dads like me—who might be gone,
But still can haunt you most!"
A humorous poem can be a lovely way to celebrate your father’s unique personality. That said, it’s worth thinking about the setting. Light-hearted words might feel just right at a small family gathering, while a more traditional reading may suit a formal service better.
If you’re looking for more guidance on finding the right words, take a look at our free guide to what to say when someone dies.
Bereavement verses for Dad
While some poems capture the raw emotions of grief, others offer comfort by gently looking to the future. The right words can bring reassurance, helping you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.
"Those we love don't go away" by Author Unknown
Those we love don't go away;
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near.
Sill loved, still missed, and very dear.
Wishing us hope in the midst of sorrow,
Offering comfort in the midst of pain, both today and tomorrow.
"Gone from my sight" by Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
"Miss me, but let me go" by Christina Rossetti
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
"Memories of Dad" by Unknown Author
We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still.
There will always to be a heartache, and often a silent tear.
But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.
If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,
We’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
These words may bring comfort in the days, months, and even years to come, offering support during moments of reflection and remembrance.
Personalising funeral readings for Dad
A funeral reading becomes even more meaningful when it includes personal touches. Here are some ways to make it unique:
- Adding personal memories: A short anecdote can make the reading feel heartfelt and distinctive.
- Including a favourite saying: If your Dad had a signature phrase or life philosophy, weaving it in adds a personal touch.
- Writing your own poem: A few lines from the heart can be a powerful tribute. You could also personalise an existing poem by adapting a verse to reflect his life and values.
Finding the right words
Choosing a poem for your father’s funeral is a deeply personal decision. The right words can bring comfort, celebrate his life, and create a lasting memory for everyone who comes to honour him. Take your time, and trust that whatever you choose will be a meaningful tribute.
If you're looking for something with a spiritual tone, you might find comfort in our collection of Bible readings for funerals, which includes thoughtful scriptures to commemorate a father's life.
And if you’re also searching for a poem to remember your mum, our funeral poems for mum article offers a selection of heartfelt verses to help you find the right words.
