Never been to their house. We don't socialize outside of work, but he is considered an older friend.
2007-05-19 15:36:25 · 19 answers · asked by Jean 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Funeral is tomorrow....no time to ask.
2007-05-19 17:55:02 · update #1
On several occasions I have attended the funerals of family members of co-workers and business contacts. Even though I may not have known the person, the family have always appreciated the gesture of attending.
After all, the funeral is really for the comfort of the living, as the deceased person is beyond any action you may take.
IMO, it is a sign of respect to attend a funeral in this situation. There would be no disrespect to leave after the funeral and not attend the 'wake' or after-service family gathering, although if you do so you can stay for a short time and then leave without causing offence.
It would very probably be appreciated by your co-worker.
2007-05-19 15:41:53 · answer #1 · answered by thing55000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they have visiting hours at the funeral home, I would just pay a visit there. Or, you could send a sympathy card to his home. You don't need to go to the funeral, unless you feel it is necessary. What's important is that you acknowledge that your co-worker has suffered a loss and that you are thinking about him and his family.
2007-05-19 22:41:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should go only if you wish to go. You could attend the viewing only , which is gives you a chance to give your condolences to the family, sign the guest book and make a brief appearnce before the funeral. Either way, be sure to send a very nice sympathy card.
2007-05-19 22:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by Catie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel uncomfortable going, give the older friend a sympathy card and send flowers to the funeral home or church where the services will be.
2007-05-19 22:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by bestlggs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go. Showing support and sympathy for your friend would be a nice idea. I have attended viewings and funerals where I only knew the one person, and it was okay. The family is usually so overwhelmed they don't stop and say, "Who are you?" They merely absorb the feelings of those who come to them.
2007-05-19 22:42:36 · answer #5 · answered by Jess 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you simply ask him? say
"i'm very sorry to hear about your loss and if you would like me to attend the funeral for support I would be happy too..." or if you dont want to go then don's and if he mentions it later say
" I didn't think I would be welcomed there since I was not a close friend of the family. I didnt realize it would have meant something to you I am very sorry...."
2007-05-20 00:05:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it was me I wouldnt. You dont have a direct connection with the person who died. If the person you work with is more than a work friend, ie a really close friend, I would reconsider and go in that case.
2007-05-19 22:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by pete the pirate 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. go to the funeral just for your coworker it doesn't matter if you don't know the rest of the family. so long as your there for them.
2007-05-19 22:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by Dani 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think that it matters if you know the family or not, i think it is a nice thing to do to show your concern and respect for your friend at work, i have been to several that i knew noboby but the relative of the deceased. just because i wanted to let that person know that i was there for them in case they needed anything.
2007-05-19 23:31:09 · answer #9 · answered by pj 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People in grief can sometimes be oddly indifferent or hyper-conservative about decorum.
My suggestion would be to contact the coworker (in person would be better) and say, "I wanted to offer my condolences... if it can be of any help to you, I would be most willing to attend the service."
2007-05-19 22:47:32 · answer #10 · answered by Christopher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋