Book Of Remembrance Entry Ideas

A book of remembrance is a personal record of the life of someone who has died. It can be as simple or as detailed as you wish, and it is a way to keep the person’s memory alive after they are gone.

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to what you include in your book of remembrance. The most important thing is to write from the heart and to include whatever feels most important to you.

Some people choose to write about the person’s life story, while others focus on specific memories or moments that were especially meaningful. You can also include poems, quotes, or photos. Whatever you do, make sure it reflects the personality and unique spirit of the person who has passed away.

In this guide, we'll explore what a book of remembrance is and offer some tips for crafting your entry.

What is a book of remembrance?

There are two types of books of remembrance. 

The first is an official record kept by crematoriums, local councils and other institutions. These are an official record of deaths, sorted by date. The individual's name is inscribed in the book, usually by a professional calligrapher. The entries are usually very limited, with just their name, date of birth and date of death.

There are also personal books of remembrance that may be left open during a funeral or cremation. These are for individuals to leave their thoughts with the family and can also form a memorial of their life.

Who signs the book of remembrance?

The book of remembrance is typically signed by those who attend the funeral, cremation or memorial service. If you mark the anniversary of their death, you might bring the book out again so that individuals can add to their entries. The book may also contain cards and messages that were given with flowers and other gifts.

Who keeps the book of remembrance?

If it is an official book, it will be stored at the church, crematorium or official government building. These are official records and they will be kept very safe. You will typically need to make an appointment to view it.

For a personal book of remembrance, the book will be kept by the deceased's closest relatives. This could be their spouse, children or parents.

What do you put in a book of remembrance?

If you have been asked to contribute to a book of remembrance, it's important to speak from the heart. It doesn't matter what you write, just that it is truthful and heartfelt.

Some people like to write about their favourite memories of the person. Others focus on how that person made them feel, or what they meant to them. You might also want to include a quote that was special to the individual, or a poem that reflects their life and character

If you are struggling to know what to write, consider the following writing prompts:

"I will always remember the time when… "

"I will never forget how… "

"You were always so… "

"I miss you because… "

"You were such an amazing… "

You could also leave a poem or quote to express your feelings. The following are incredibly popular for funerals and memorials:

"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 sun 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." - Mary Elizabeth Frye

"He is not dead who can eternal lie,

And with strange aeons even death may die." - H.P. Lovecraft

"Death is nothing at all.

It does not count.

I have only slipped away into the next room.

Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was.

I am I, and you are you,

and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of 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 that 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 an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was.

There is absolute and unbroken continuity.

What is this death but a negligible accident?

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 round the corner.

All is well.

Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" - Henry Scott-Holland 

"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 grieve, to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done." - Helen Lowrie Marshall