Canadian Obituaries
Obituary and life-story preparation worksheet
Gather the facts, memories and publication choices that will help you write a thoughtful obituary. You can work a little at a time; no part of this worksheet is compulsory.
Gather the facts, memories and publication choices that will help you write a thoughtful obituary. You can work a little at a time; no part of this worksheet is compulsory.
Open the interactive planner ↓ · All guides and tools
Choose one person to coordinate the draft
Decide who will collect information, who should review it and who has authority to arrange publication. Agree on the preferred name and spelling before writing. Where relatives disagree, pause and clarify rather than publishing uncertain details. This worksheet is a preparation space, not an obituary submission or publication request.
Verify facts before adding them
Confirm names, dates, places and service details using reliable family information or documents. Record uncertain facts as questions. Check the spelling of relatives’ names and whether they want to be named publicly. Keep private addresses, account information and identity-document details out of the published text. Consider carefully how much personal information about living relatives is necessary.
Tell a life story, not only a chronology
Start with a few details that sound like the person: work they cared about, a favourite place, a hobby, a characteristic phrase or a small act of kindness. Ask for a specific memory instead of a list of adjectives. There is no required tone or religious framing. A short, accurate tribute can be more meaningful than a long draft assembled under pressure.
Separate public details from family arrangements
Confirm that the venue, date and time are ready for publication. If a gathering is private, say so without revealing its location. Ask permission to use the selected photograph and verify any photographer’s rights. If mentioning a charity, confirm its name and official donation page. Do not assume donations or flowers are expected.
Review the final version together
Read the draft aloud, then check names and dates once more. Obtain the agreed family review, confirm publication fees or length limits with the chosen publisher, and keep a copy of the approved text. Submission to a funeral provider or publisher is a separate step. Rules about estates and official death notifications vary by province; an obituary does not replace those processes.
Sources and scope
Original planning guidance. Source links checked November 3, 2026. The storytelling worksheet can be used across Canada; the procedural links below are Ontario-specific.
Your interactive planner
Complete only what is useful. Print a blank copy or fill it in and print/save as PDF. No account is needed to print.
Sign in or create a free account before entering answers if you want to save and return. Accounts and saved records are separate on each website.
Download blank checklist (PDF)
Checking account access…
Saving does not submit an obituary, request professional advice or subscribe you to marketing. For account or privacy assistance, use this website’s contact page. Back to all guides and tools.
