25 Top Funeral Poems for Dad: Comforting Words for Loss

Losing a parent is one of the most difficult experiences we can face in life. The absence leaves an immense void, but the love and shared memories remain forever in our hearts.

Funeral Poems for Dad

In these moments of grief, funeral poems become a refuge where we can express our deepest feelings.

Through poetry, we find a voice for our pain, a way to pay tribute to those who guided us and loved us unconditionally.

Funeral poems for a father not only capture the sadness of loss but also celebrate the life and legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on our lives.

These carefully chosen words help us remember special moments, valuable teachings, and maintain a spiritual connection with our loved one.

In this post, we have carefully selected a series of funeral poems that capture the essence of these complex and profound feelings.

Perfect Funeral Poems for Dad

My Father By ‘Anita Guindon’

He was a jolly little man full of fun and laughter,
He played jokes on his fellow men
And to him it did not matter.
Education he had not,
But what he learned he never forgot.
He wrote what he knew all about cancer
so that someday, there will be an answer.
He joined the Canadian Medical Corps.
And served in the Second World War.
He risked his life, to save others,
This man, that I call my Father.
Seein' my Father in me is the title of a song
Which I can relate to as I do see my Father in me.
I have a French accent just like my Father,
I love walking, just like my Father,
I love being with people, just like my father.
But most of all, is my love for children, like my Father.
Funeral Poem for Dad

Happy the Man, by John Dryden

Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
Be fair or foul or rain or shine
The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.
Not Heaven itself upon the past has power,
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.

“The Broken Chain” by Ron Tranmer

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same;
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

“A Father’s Legacy” by Anonymous

A father's legacy, cherished and dear
Through his love and wisdom, we have no fear
He was our protector, our guiding light
And in his absence, our hearts feel a slight

But his legacy lives on in all that we do
In every decision, we consider his view
His values, his morals, his unwavering belief
In us, his children, is now our greatest relief

For though he may be gone, his love still shines bright
Guiding us towards what is good and what is right
His legacy will remain, an everlasting flame
In our hearts, our father's memory will forever proclaim.

poems for dads funeral

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 judgement,
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.

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'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love 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 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'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

“Father’s Memory”

Our father's memory will forever linger
In our hearts, his love will never wither
He was our guiding light and our rock
His love and wisdom will never be forgot

He taught us what it means to be strong
And how to keep going, even when things go wrong
Though he is no longer by our side
His memory and love will forever abide

We'll find comfort in the memories we share
And in knowing he'll always be there
In our hearts, our father will always stay
Until we meet again, on that blessed day.

“A Father’s Love”

A father's love, so pure and true
Unconditional, it saw us through
Through every triumph and every fall
His love remained, our greatest wall

He was our hero, our constant guide
In him, our love and trust reside
His voice, his smile, his gentle touch
We miss him dearly, oh so much

But we know he's watching from above
And his unconditional love will always be enough
To guide us through life's journey ahead
Our father's love, forever spread.

“The Man We Call Dad”

He was a man of strength and grace
The one who put a smile on our face
He may have been tough, but his love was tender
Our dad, our hero, our forever defender

He showed us the beauty in the little things
And how to spread our wings
He may have left us, but his love lingers on
In the memories we hold dear and in the lessons he's shown

Our dad, our guide, our constant light
In his absence, our hearts will never feel quite right
But we find solace in knowing he's watching from above
The man we call dad, will always be our eternal love.

Funeral poems for dad from daughter​

Funeral poems for Dad, written by daughters, serve as a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of a beloved father. These poems capture the essence of the father-daughter relationship, celebrating the love, guidance, and support a father provided throughout his life.

They also offer a way for daughters to process their emotions, share their feelings with others, and honor their father’s memory in a meaningful way.

Below, we share the best funeral poems dedicated to Dad. Each poem offers a unique perspective on the bond between father and daughter.

Funeral poems for dad from daughter

To My Father 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.

“Gone Too Soon” by Anonymous

Oh daddy, how we miss you so
Our hearts are heavy, our tears will forever flow
You left us too soon, and it's hard to understand
Why you had to go, it wasn't part of our plan

But we know you're watching over us from above
With your love and guidance, our hearts will heal and love
We'll honor your memory, with each passing day
And in our hearts, you'll forever stay

Rest now dear daddy, in eternal peace
Your love for us, will never cease
We'll see you again, when it's time to meet
Until then, our memories of you, we'll always keep.

“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.
poems for dad from daughter funeral_

“Remember Me” by Margaret Mead

To the living, I am gone,
To the sorrowful, I will never return,
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea,
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,
Remember me.

Remember me in your heart:
Your thoughts, and your memories,
Of the times we loved,
The times we cried,
The times we fought,
The times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

“A Father’s Hands”

Strong and gentle, loving and wise
A father's hands are a precious guise
They built forts and tied our shoes
Gave us hugs when we had the blues

Those hands worked hard to provide
For the family he held dear inside
They lifted us up when we were low
And never let go, even when we'd grow

Now those hands have reached their rest
But their touch is one we'll never forget
For in our hearts, they'll always remain
A father's hands, filled with love and pain.

“Memories of You”

Daddy, your memories are like treasures
They bring me joy, they ease my pressure
The moments we shared, the laughs we had
Will forever be cherished, it makes me glad

You were not just my father, but a friend
On you, I could always depend
Your love was pure, your heart so true
And I'll forever be grateful for you.

Though you may no longer be here
Your presence I can feel near
In every memory, you'll always shine
My dear daddy, you're forever mine.

Short funeral poems for dad from daughter

In moments of grief, finding the right words to express love, admiration, and sorrow can be challenging.

Short funeral poems offer a poignant way to honor a father’s life and legacy, encapsulating emotions that might otherwise be difficult to articulate.

These brief verses can serve as heartfelt tributes during memorial services or as personal reflections in a card or eulogy. They capture the essence of a father-daughter relationship, celebrating cherished memories and the impact he had on her life.

Whether it’s a few lines that evoke laughter or tears, these poems can provide comfort and connection in a time of loss.

short funeral poems for dad

“Daddy’s Little Girl”

Behind your strong embrace
I always found my place
To guide me through life's whirl
My dear daddy, I'll miss you, my pearl.

“My First Hero”

You were my first true hero
With arms so warm and strong
Now you've left, my dear father
But your love will forever live on.

“After You’ve Gone”

I know you'll always be with me
As I walk this journey alone
Your love and memories will guide me
Until we meet again, at home.

“In Loving Memory”

With every breath, I'll say your name
Your love forever in my heart will remain
Though my tears may never cease
Your memory will always bring me peace.
Short funeral poems for dad from daughter

“My Guiding Light”

In my darkest days, you were my light
Holding my hand, guiding me through the night
Now you've gone, but I'll never fear
For your love will always be near.

“A Daughter’s Promise”

I may have grown, but I'll always be
Your little girl, eternally
I promise to make you proud
As I live my life, without you around.

“To My Angel in Heaven”

Though you may have left this earth
My love for you will never disperse
For now, you'll watch over me
My dear daddy, in heaven, you'll be free.

“Forever Missed”

Dad, you left a void in my heart
But I'll hold on to our memories, never apart
Though I'll miss you every day
Your love will guide me and show me the way.

“A Bond Like No Other”

From the first time I held your hand
Until the day we said goodbye
A bond like ours will never fade
In my heart, you'll always reside.
poems for dad funeral

“My Angel on Earth”

You were my angel on earth
Now you've earned your wings in the sky
But your love and guidance will still live on
As I spread my wings and learn to fly.

“A Father’s Embrace”

In your arms, I always felt safe
A father's embrace, a special place
Though you may not be physically near
Your love and presence, I'll always hold dear.

“Missing You”

There's a void that no one can fill
Since you left, it's been hard to deal
But I find comfort in memories we shared
My dear dad, forever loved and missed, I swear.

How to Choose the Right Poem

Choosing the right poem for your father’s funeral can be a daunting task, but it is also an opportunity to honor his memory in a deeply personal way.

Here are some guidelines to help you select a poem that resonates with your emotions and reflects your father’s life and personality.

1. Tone and Style

  • Emotional Tone: Consider the emotional tone you want to convey. Do you want the poem to be uplifting and celebratory, or more reflective and somber? The tone should align with the overall mood of the funeral service.
  • Personal Style: Think about your father’s personal style and preferences. Was he someone who appreciated classic literature, or did he enjoy modern and contemporary works? Choosing a poem that reflects his tastes can make the tribute more meaningful.
  • Cultural and Religious Context: Take into account any cultural or religious traditions that might influence your choice. Some families prefer poems that include spiritual or religious themes, while others might favor secular works.

2. Length and Delivery

  • Length of the Poem: The length of the poem is important, especially considering the flow of the funeral service. A shorter poem might be more appropriate for a service with multiple readings, while a longer poem can serve as a standalone tribute.
  • Ease of Delivery: Consider how the poem will be delivered. If you or someone else plans to read it aloud, choose a poem that is easy to recite and understand. Ensure that the language and structure are accessible to the audience.

3. Matching the Poem to Your Father’s Personality

  • Reflect on His Character: Think about the qualities that defined your father. Was he known for his wisdom, kindness, humor, or resilience? Select a poem that highlights these traits.
  • Personal Connections: Choose a poem that resonates with your personal memories and experiences with your father. This connection will make the reading more heartfelt and authentic.
  • Favorite Themes: If your father had favorite themes or subjects, such as nature, family, or adventure, look for poems that incorporate these elements. This will add a personal touch to the tribute.

Tips for Reading the Poem at Your Father’s Funeral

Presenting a funeral poem can be an emotionally charged experience, but with some preparation, you can deliver it in a way that honors your father and comforts those in attendance.

Here are some tips to help you read the poem effectively:

  1. Practice Ahead of Time: Familiarize yourself with the poem by reading it multiple times before the funeral. This will help you become comfortable with the words and the flow of the poem.
  2. Understand the Poem: Take time to understand the meaning and emotions behind each line. Knowing the context and sentiment will allow you to convey the poem more authentically.
  3. Pace Yourself: Read slowly and clearly to ensure that every word is heard and understood. Pausing at appropriate moments can add emphasis and allow the audience to absorb the message.
  4. Use Natural Tone: Speak in a natural, conversational tone rather than a monotone or overly dramatic voice. This will make the reading more relatable and heartfelt.
  5. Make Eye Contact: If possible, make eye contact with the audience to create a connection and convey sincerity. If you find it too difficult, looking just above their heads can be a good alternative.
  6. Breathe and Stay Calm: Take deep breaths to calm your nerves before and during the reading. If you become emotional, it’s okay to pause and collect yourself.

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