We have assembled a collection of 21+ most beautiful funeral poems for Grandpa to help you celebrate his life and his enduring love.
At the end of our post, we have links to our Pinterest board and Facebook album where you can find more images with your favourite quotes from funeral poems for a grandfather created especially for you.
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This first beautiful funeral poem articulates how lucky we feel to have been given the best Grandpa in the world. Let’s live our lives in a way that honours his love and legacy.
We Had a Wonderful Grandfather
Unknown Author
We had a wonderful grandfather,
One who never really grew old;
His smile was made of sunshine,
And his heart was solid gold;
His eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in his cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful grandfather,
And that’s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
He’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
He will like what he sees.
~
This poem beautifully captures how, when we reach adulthood, we are able to see our grandfather more fully, as a person with a lifetime of his own life experiences, hopes and dreams. We are able to see him not just as “Grandpa,” but as a friend.
This beautiful poem is the perfect poem to recite at a funeral or memorial service for a beloved Grandpa. It is also appropriate for a celebration of life ceremony.
A Poem for Grandpa (Modified)
Unknown Author
Grandpa, you were just a boy,
So many years ago.
You had your loves and had your dreams,
You watched us come and go.
You watched us make the same mistakes,
That you had made before,
But that just made you hold us tight,
And love us all the more.
We haven’t always thought about
The things that you have seen.
To us you’ve just been ‘Grandpa’,
No thought of who you’ve been.
But we remember now in love,
Your life from start to end,
And we’re just glad we knew you,
As Grandpa, and as Friend.
~
This beautiful poem reflects on all the special characteristics about our Grandpa that makes him special. It also thanks him for always being there for his family and lets him know that he will always be remembered.
This poem would make a beautiful tribute to a special grandfather at any type of funeral service.
Grampa
Unknown Author
We’ll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace,
you always gave us.
You being there
for Grandma and us
through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We’ll always remember
you Grampa because
there’ll never be another one
to replace you in our hearts,
and the love we will always
have for you.
~
This beautiful poem uses powerful imagery to compare a grandfather who has passed away to a giant tree that has fallen. Both provided shelter and safety while they lived, and both left an indelible mark on those around them, even after their passing.
The poem was originally written for fathers. However, we modified it because its message also rings true for a grandfather, our father’s father.
To My Grandfather (Modified)
By Georgia Harkness
A giant pine, magnificent and old
Stood staunch against the sky and all around
Shed beauty, grace and power.
Within its fold birds safely reared their young.
The velvet ground beneath was gentle,
and the cooling shade gave cheer to passers by.
Its towering arms a landmark stood, erect and unafraid,
As if to say, “Fear naught from life’s alarms”.
It fell one day.
Where it had dauntless stood was loneliness and void.
But men who passed paid tribute – and said,
“To know this life was good,
It left it’s mark on me. Its work stands fast”.
And so it lives. Such life no bonds can hold –
This giant pine, magnificent and old.
~
This touching funeral poem reminds us that even though he may be gone, our Grandpa will always be with us. Every beautiful thing that we see and experience will remind us of his eternal love.
Our grandfather wisely taught us many valuable lessons about life. His wisdom makes us feel as though we can accept all of life’s challenges because he taught us that challenges help us grow stronger.
Your Spirit
By Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach
I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
When life separates us
I’ll know it is only your soul
Saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me
To appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom
And will remember what you taught me so well’
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
~
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This funeral poem emphasizes the fact that our Grandpa will always be a part of us. No matter how old we get or where we end up in life, we will never outgrow our love for him.
This is a very popular funeral poem to read at a service for a grandfather, whether it be a funeral service, memorial service, or a celebration of life ceremony.
A Love Like No Other
By Paula M. Newman
From the time I was born
I guess you would know
Ten perfect fingers
Ten little toes
When you first put your finger in my tiny hand that’s when I first knew
You were my papa no one else would do
As I grow older
and reach for the sky
My Papa is still there
to keep that twinkle in my eye
When I need someone to hold me
you never say I’m too big
You pick me up and squeeze me
and whisper you’re my little kid
Most other people don’t understand me
or maybe just not as well
That’s why you’re the one I run to
when I have something to tell
I love you Papa
as you can see
I’m so glad
that you’re a part of me
~
“Weep Not For Me” is a very popular funeral poem that would be appropriate for a Grandpa’s funeral service.
This eloquent poem reassures us that our Grandad is at peace, and encourages us to dwell on his wonderful life, love and legacy, and not on how he died.
Weep Not For Me
Unknown Author
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 flight
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
~
This poem is about what makes a man successful. A man who laughed often, who loved his family and friends, who was respected and trusted, who appreciated the beauty of the world, who left the world better than he found it, is the very definition of success.
This poem helps us celebrate the legacy of the incredible man that our Grandfather was and the impact that he had on those people who were lucky enough to know him.
This poem makes a beautiful tribute to read at all types of service for a Grandpa, from a traditional, religious funeral service, to a free-spirited celebration of life ceremony.
He Has Achieved Success
By Bessie Anderson Stanley
He has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much:
who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
who has filled the niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it;
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given the best he had.
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.
~
This next funeral poem reminds us that our Grandpa will always be with us, though he will be sorely missed. Our loved ones never truly leave us.
His Journey’s Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
~
This next poem is appropriate to recite at a religious service for a beloved Grandfather, especially if he was elderly or suffered from an illness prior to his passing.
It offers some comfort to those attending the funeral or memorial service by reminding us that he is no longer in any pain and is in God’s loving arms.
God Saw You Getting Tired
Unknown Author
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
~
The next poem is popular for funeral services because it eloquently articulates how difficult it is to accept that our loved one has passed away. (We modified this poem for gender as the message is appropriate for both women and men.)
Choose to read this poem at your Grandpa’s funeral service if you were blessed to have a close relationship with him.
Away (Modified)
By James Whitcomb Riley
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.
~
This funeral poem beautifully highlights the importance of celebrating your Grandpa’s life and legacy. It invites us to not focus on his death, but to find comfort in all the wonderful things that he did while he was with us.
Given the simplicity of the poem’s language, it would be an appropriate poem for a teenage granddaughter or grandson to recite a funeral service.
He is Gone
By David Harkins
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.
~
This next poem reminds us that our beloved Granddad never really leaves us and that we can see signs of his love in nature. In the singing of the birds, in the rising and setting of the sun—he is always there.
This is a beautiful poem to read in tribute to a special Grandpa. It is appropriate for all types of services, from a traditional funeral or memorial service, to a one-of-a-kind celebration of life ceremony.
Granddad
By Fiona Bourke
Granddad,
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.
Instead every day you surround us with the singing of the birds,
the rising of the sun and the falling of night.
So many broken hearts are left behind,
But in our deepest despair our greatest comfort lies knowing
that you are now at peace with the angels and God.
So as times passes our tears will dry,
our hearts will mend,
but our love for you will never end.
~
This beautiful poem is written in the voice of a young boy talking to his beloved Grandpa who has gone to heaven. This sweet poem would be perfect for a young grandson to read at Grandpa’s funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life ceremony. It could also be read at a post-funeral reception as a special presentation.
A Poem for My Granddad
By Dennis Taylor
Hello there, Granddad.
It’s me, your little man,
I couldn’t find you yesterday,
When I came to visit Nan.
She says you’ve only left the room,
You haven’t gone away.
But I really miss you, Granddad
And the games we used to play.
She says you have my teddy.
He’ll keep you safe from harm.
If the going gets hard, just squeeze his hand
And he will keep you calm.
You’ve also got some sweeties.
Isn’t Nana kind?
I may have stolen one or two,
But I knew you wouldn’t mind.
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’.
~
This next poem is a favourite of ours. This poem uses beautiful and powerful imagery to eloquently articulate how different the world may appear now that Grandpa is no longer here and how, although grief may fade with time, life will never be the same.
This poem would be a beautiful tribute to a beloved Grandpa from an adult granddaughter or a grandson.
As I Look Up to the Skies Above
Unknown Author
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 who’s life he touched
With warmth so infinite.
~
This popular funeral poem provides us with comfort by reminding us to not dwell on how our dearly loved Grandpa died, but to dwell on the incredible life that he lived.
This poem makes a beautiful tribute for a celebration of life ceremony or memorial service. If Granddad was blessed to have had a number of grandchildren, they could take turns reading or reciting a verse.
Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?
Unknown Author
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.
~
This beautiful poem uses the metaphor of a beautiful garden to describe a Grandfather’s life. He helped plant the seeds that gave us our start, guided and nurtured our growth to adulthood, and provided protection from life’s storms.
This poem would make a beautiful tribute to a special Grandfather at a funeral service, memorial service or a celebration of life. As with the previous poem, it would be a good poem to be collectively read (or recited) by his grandchildren. The simplicity of the language also makes the funeral poem well suited for a family where the grandchildren vary greatly in ages.
Grandfather Kept a Garden
Unknown Author
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.
~
This next funeral poem, “My Grandfather,” describes the truly special qualities a Grandpa possesses. He always had a smile for you, exciting stories to share, and an ear ready to listen to what was in your heart.
This poem is a beautiful tribute to show how proud you are to have had him as your Grandad. It is appropriate for both Granddaughters and Grandsons to read or recite.
My Grandfather
Unknown Author
My Grandfather was a man who had smiles to brighten your days,
who always made you feel good with his warm words of praise.
And what’s more he knew
what to do to make wishes come true.
He was my Grandfather.
My Grandfather was someone who always had good stories to tell,
but just as importantly he knew how to be a good listener as well.
He was patient and kind
and the very best friend you could ever hope to find.
He was no ordinary man.
And I’m proud to tell the world that
[Insert Your Granddads name here]
Was my Grandfather.
~
This next funeral poems expresses how difficult it is to lose a beloved grandfather and how sorely he will be missed. It is appropriate for a religious or a spiritual funeral service for a Grandpa (since the poem references heaven).
Our Granddad
Unknown Author
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you never went alone,
for a part of us went with you,
the day god took you home.
A million times we missed you,
A million times we cried,
If love could have saved you,
you never would have died.
To the grave you travel,
Our flowers placed with care,
No-one knows the heartache,
as we turn to leave you there.
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories could make a lane,
we would walk right up to heaven,
and bring you home again.
We love you Granddad,
sleep well in heaven with the angels.
~
This touching poem is written in the voice of a Grandfather who is speaking to us after he has passed away. He tells us to remember the happy times we shared with him and to look for signs of him in the beauty of the world around us.
This poem would be a touching reading to give at a celebration of life ceremony, particularly one that is held outdoors (for example, on the beach).
I’ll Be There
Unknown Author
There was no time to say goodbye
But this I ask – please do not cry
Remember me as you think best
The happy time – forget the rest.
Look for me and I’ll be there
And you will find me everywhere
In the gentle touch of breeze
That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.
In the scent and colour of flowers
That gave to me such happy hours
On sunny days under sunny skies of blue
Just think of me, I’ll be with you.
In winter when there’s cloud or mist
The rain will give to you my kiss
As wood smoke lingers in the air
Look for me and I’ll be there.
Where seagulls cry above the sea
And surf rolls in so endlessly
Among towering trees that soar above
In all these things that i once loved
Look for me and I’ll be there
You’ll feel my presence everywhere.
~
Like the previous poem, this poem is also written in the voice of a Grandfather who is speaking to us after his death. He reassures us that although he is sad that his time on Earth is done, and that he will miss us terribly, he was welcomed into Heaven where he will live forever.
Given the theme of eternal life in this poem, it is appropriate for a religious funeral or memorial service for a Grandfather.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
By David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me and I am not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me
I know how much you love me as much as I love you
And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand
That Jesus came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place is ready in heaven far above
And that I have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away a tear fell from my eye
For all my life I’d always thought it wasn’t my time to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do
It seems almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could have stayed for just a little while
I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realize that this could never be
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss come tomorrow
I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gate and felt so much at home
As God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne.
He said This is eternity And all I’ve promised you
Today your life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow but today will always last
And since each day’s the same here there’s no longing for the past.
So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.
~
This next gorgeous poem was submitted to us by an Love Lives On reader and we absolutely love it. It was written in memory of his first wife who passed away from Lupus but is applicable to anyone grieving the loss of a grandpa.
Last Journey
By Timothy Coote
There is a train at the station
With a seat reserved just for me
I’m excited about its destination
As I’ve heard it sets you free
The trials and tribulations
The pain and stress we breathe
Don’t exist were I am going
Only happiness I believe
I hope that you will be there
To wish me on my way
It’s not a journey you can join in
It’s not your time today
There’ll be many destinations
Some are happy, some are sad
Each one a brief reminder
Of the great times that we’ve had
Many friends I know are waiting
Who took an earlier train
To greet and reassure me
That nothing has really changed
We’ll take the time together
To catch up on the past
To build a new beginning
One that will always last
One day you’ll take your journey
On the train just like me
And i promise that I’ll be there
At the station and you will see
That Life is just a journey
Enriched by those you meet
No one can take that from you
It’s always yours to keep’
But now as no seat is vacant
You will have to muddle through
Make sure you fulfill your ambitions
As you know I’ll be watching you
And if there’s an occasion
To mention who you knew
Speak kindly of that person
As one day it will be you
Now i can’t except this ending
And as it’s time for me to leave
Please make haste to the reception
To enjoy my drinks, they’re free!
~
This final poem is one of our favourites as the theme is thankfulness for all our Grandpa did for us. The blessings he brought into our lives are immeasurable.
This is another poem that could be collectively read by all the Grandchildren at Grandpa’s funeral service. Each grandchild, depending on his or her age, could read a few lines.
As We Look Back
By Clare Jones
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.
~
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