7 Touching Memorial Poems for Grandad’s Funeral

Saying goodbye to a beloved grandad is never easy. Whether he was a gentle storyteller, a steady hand through life’s ups and downs or the heart of the family, the loss leaves a space that words alone struggle to fill. But poetry has a way of capturing what we feel when ordinary speech falls short. It can offer comfort, honour memories and bring everyone together in quiet reflection.

If you’re planning a funeral or memorial service and looking for a meaningful way to pay tribute, here are seven touching memorial poems for grandad that may help you find the right words – including classic funeral poems, uplifting verses and heartfelt personal reflections.

1. His Journey’s Just Begun – Ellen Brenneman

This comforting poem offers a gentle view of death as a new beginning, not an end. Its soft reassurance makes it a popular choice for those wanting to express hope and peace.

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 you could know today
how nothing but your sadness
can really go 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.

2. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye

One of the most well-known funeral poems, it encourages us to look for signs of our loved one in the world around us. A powerful way to express enduring presence.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

3. Miss Me But Let Me Go – Christina Rossetti

This short, simple poem is ideal for those who wish to keep the tone gentle and accepting. It speaks of love without clinging, of remembering without sorrow.

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.

4. My Grandfather – Victoria L. Payne

A modern poem with a nostalgic feel, this piece – adapted from Payne’s original, My Grandmother – honours a grandfather’s wisdom, strength and steady love.

In my rose garden of memories,
I see you standing there,
An angel in disguise,
Who taught me how to care.

I long to hear your voice
for real – not in my dreams.
I am missing you so much these days.
How empty my world seems.

People say time heals all wounds,
that someday the pain will subside,
but grandad, I can tell you
I think they must have lied.

The emptiness I am feeling now
is strong and I am weak.
These days go by without you,
so dreary and so bleak.

In my rose garden of memories
I know you’ll always be,
for though you’re gone from this mortal world,
in my heart you’ll always be.

5. Death Is Nothing at All – Canon Henry Scott-Holland

With its calm and familiar tone, this poem speaks of the thin line between life and death. It can bring comfort to those who believe love transcends loss.

Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.

All is well.

6. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Rodgers & Hammerstein (excerpt)

Though originally written for the stage, the closing lines of this iconic song are often read as poetry at funerals. It speaks of courage and connection through grief.

When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark.
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone.

7. Our Grandad – Personal or custom poem

Sometimes the most powerful tribute is one written by a family member. Even a short poem from the heart can be incredibly moving, full of personal touches and memories that no one else could capture.

Tips for reading a funeral poem

• Take your time – speaking slowly helps everyone absorb the words
• Practise reading your memorial poem for grandad a few times beforehand
• Don’t worry about getting emotional – it’s a natural part of grieving
• If possible, bring a printed copy and mark any pauses or emphasis

Support from Jamieson Funeral Directors

Choosing a poem for your grandad’s funeral is a personal and meaningful way to say goodbye. Whether you go with a classic, a lesser-known gem or something written just for him, it’s a chance to honour who he was and what he meant to you. 

At Jamieson Funeral Directors in Bristol, we understand how powerful words can be when saying goodbye. While choosing a poem is a personal decision, we’re here to support you with care and compassion as you plan a fitting farewell for your grandad. Whether you’re arranging a funeral or thinking ahead, our experienced team in Bristol is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us at directors@jamiesonfuneraldirectors.co.uk or call 0117 956 4796.