When someone dies? What is the best thing to say to their family/ friends?

Question

What do you think is right to say?

Answer 1

If I know the person well, I always try to tell a breif but nice story regarding the deceased person....like if the spouse is there, I would tell how bob was always such a good friend to me and that one time he _____. Then I would sum it up with what Katherine said above (or just that if I didn't know the person well or their family).
When my mom died the things said to me that I treasure most to this day were the stories that other people told me about her--things I didn't know about or things I hadn't heard in years....some funny and some touching, but all very meaningful.
The worst things said were anything to do with 'god needing her more than we did down here' ' I know how you feel' and 'how are you?'

Answer 2

Listen:
Be available:
Take appropriate initiative:
Be hospitable:
Be patient and understanding:
Write a letter:
Pray with them:

The above are all lead-ins in the online article:

When Someone Loved Dies
- How Can Others Help? http://watchtower.org/e/we/article_04.htm

It goes into much more detail,
and also provides a list of things to avoid doing.

Answer 3

First of all, you should share their feelings of grief. Tell them your sorry for their loss and if you've been a friend or associate with the person who died, it is better is you tell them how important that person had been in your life and offer comforts.
But don't tell their family or close friends that you know or had experienced what they feel even if if you had been or in the same exact situation because nobody shares the same point of view.
Also, you can help out the family or friends by comforting them. One way is to do things and errands that you can do for them. But again, don't let them feel that you are too busy to help them. Instead of telling them to call you if anything is needed, ask them what you can do to help them at that moment.

Answer 4

Some families need help running errands when they loose someone or need money or someone around to help with all the things they need to take care of.
Some need a shoulder to cry on or someone for closure.
I don't like hearing "I am sorries" from EVERYONE
it gets annoying and its over used I'd use something more sincere like.

"I know your are going through a very difficult time right now
and I want you to know that I am here to help out in any way I can. And if you need someone to talk to I am here to listen".

:)

Answer 5

Be as eloquent as Mark Antony on the death of Caesar. Praise the person who has died, say good things about him/her, do not refer to any evil done by them.
If it is a wife/husband, tell her/him in addition to the above, that the husband/wife had loved her/him a lot all his/her life.

Answer 6

Sometimes, saying little is much more appreciated. I've been through losses before and while I genuinely appreciated people's condolences, I didn't want to be bombarded by people giving me a speech about my loss. It's painful and people grieve in different ways. I would write a note to the family to let them you are sorry for their loss and are there if they need you. That simple.

Answer 7

Tell them you send your condolences and that you will pray for there family in this time of need! Don't tell them it's okay. Or it happened for a reason (everything) & Don't say you know what they are going through.

Answer 8

There really is no right thing to say, just say what comes from your heart. If you have had someone die, you can tell them, you know how they feel, & are sorry for there loss.

Answer 9

Just say " I know it's a kind of tragedy which only you can feel.I know this loss is huge and nothing can replace this.May God give you enough strength to overcome this ."

God Bless

Answer 10

That they have their memories of that person and to hold them close and treasure them and their loved one will always be with them, alive in their hearts and memories and give them the biggest caring hug ever cos a hug does wonders.