Writing a well-crafted obit is like lighting a votive candle for someone who has recently died. It signals a recognition of their life. It helps focus the thoughts of those who loved them. It conjures memories, kindles emotions, instills hope. (It also can prompt laughter. More on that later.)
Every journalist must know how to write a proper obit. Yes, there is a form and an etiquette to it. It's such an essential skill to develop that every young journalist's portfolio of clips should include one if possible.
DISCUSS Since I just had to sit down an write an obit recently, let's start there and discuss the elements and style we see on display: Frank Bernard Garrett II
STUDY Let's use this guide from The News Manuel, Vol. 2: Advanced Reporting to review the baseline expectations and essential elements of an obituary: Chapter 51: Obituaries BTW, The News Manual is a GREAT online resource that is FREE to you anytime: The News Manuel Bookmark it!
STUDY Let's also look at this user-friendly guide to obit-writing by the people at Legacy.com, which is the obit platform used by hundreds of local newspapers for generating obits like the one you read above: How to Write and Obituary
CONSIDER Odd as it might sound, obituary writing can rise to the level of an art form. There are journalists who have specialized in obit-writing and become quite famous. (Obit-writing has taken on a hallowed status especially in British journalism.) Obits don't necessarily have to be solemn and serious. They also can be funny or off-beat or even mean and spiteful (check out Obitchuary on Spotify). Here's a fun story from NBC News about how some obits actually go viral online: How to write the perfect obituary, according to professional writers
WRITE! Let's write a 425-word obit right now, in class, on deadline.
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