We gather today to lay to rest our friend ___________. From this day forward, it will be important to focus on the fact that ____________ lived and how his presence enriched our lives rather than focus on the fact that he has died. Remember the times he put a smile on your face and share that with future generations.

(If there had not been a celebration of life service preceding the burial this would be a time to remember the life of the deceased with a lead in of the poem “The Dash”.)

It is important to ensure that ___________’s legacy lives on. I would like to share with you some special poem on how to move forward.

Beyond the Empty Chair

Look beyond the empty chair

To know a life well spent

Look beyond the solitude

To days of true content

Cherish in your broken heart

Each moment gladly shared

And feel the touch of memory

Beyond the empty chair

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

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.

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing

times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who

At this time let’s have a moment of silence in which we can remember how _______ added to our lives and if afterwards you wish to share a brief memory please feel free to do so.