Write your own obituary

Why should only the famous or infamous have obituaries?

We all deserve an obituary. So write your own, capture the essential details of your life, the essence of your character and the eccentricities of your personality.

You will have created a unique piece of history that others - particularly future generations of your family - will find fascinating.

Tips for writing an obituary

A well written obituary should give an accurate description of the subject, and areas of life in which they were most interested and involved.

Tips to write a successful obituary .

• Don't make it too long. Limit it to 1000 words;
• Consider whether someone who has known you most of your adult life would be prepared to write it or collaborate with you;
• Concentrate on the highlights - don't write your life story in chronological order;
• Mention those people who have most influenced your life;
• Be honest about your faults and failings;
• Include one or two surprising and facts about yourself, your views, your beliefs, your behaviour;
• Ask two or three close friends to contribute quotes;
• Don't upset or offend other people;
• Include appropriate images, such as photographs of yourself, your family, items you collect, possessions that mean a lot to you;
• Express your opinions on what is important in your life - the political background, any art forms that you are interested in, your observations on society in general or a particular part that interests you or you have been involved in.

Why it should go in your Lifebox

Write your obituary using your computer, and  then place it in your Lifebox.

Why you should store your obituary in your Lifebox:

• Nobody else can access it apart from your nominated second key holders, usually your executor(s), when your death is confirmed;
• Your family will be able to access it in years to come;
• You can update it while you are alive;
• You can add photographs or other images;
• You can ask your executor to email it to a local paper shortly after your death;
• It is secure - we back up all data regularly so it will not be lost.

Happy obituary writing!