Condolences to Business Associate upon Death of a Loved One
Guidelines and Alternate Phrases
Express your regret over the death but avoid going into the details of the illness or tragedy, its consequences, or how you heard of the incident.
The news of Vera’s death came to me early yesterday morning. I was overwhelmed with sadness.
We regret so much the news about your wife’s illness and death.
Our entire staff has asked me to express to you our sincerest sympathies in the death of your husband.
Our thoughts are with you during these days of sadness. We were so sorry to hear of your grandson’s accident.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.
I can’t say how shocked and saddened I was to hear of your husband’s illness and sudden death. Please know my thoughts are with you during this time.
I wanted to drop you a note to let you know I share your grief in Ron’s death. I will miss him so much.
Although Mildred’s illness was a lengthy one and her death not unexpected, that does not lessen the grief we all feel at her passing away.
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the death of your mother, of whom you spoke so affectionately and so often.
Frank, my prayers are with you in this tragedy. Although words are of little comfort at a time like this, please know we are thinking of you daily.
My thoughts have been with you almost continually since I heard the news of your wife’s death. I am so sorry.
Marge, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry we are to hear about Paul. We will miss him so much.
Margaret’s death overwhelms me; I just can’t seem to comprehend the loss.
We heard of the plane crash last Monday but didn’t learn Tom was a passenger until late last night. We are so sorry.
I was so sorry to hear about your husband’s death. You must be devastated by the news, and we want you to know we are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Please know our thoughts have been with you ever since the word came about your son and his family.
Honor the loved one by offering some specific praise. When you’re unacquainted with the deceased, you may simply pass on complimentary remarks from others (even the recipient of the letter). Such comments help the reader to praise the loved one and to work through his own grief.
Freda’s pleasant attitude was contagious to us all.
Silvan’s talent was exceeded by very few professionals in the industry.
His leadership and direction for the department went unquestioned. We had that much respect for his judgment.
We wish we had other employees like her, those who give their best every single day and don’t care who gets the credit for the results.
I never heard her complain about anybody’s work or attitude while here. That in itself is remarkable.
Although a quiet person, he was always listening for opportunities to support our ideas when the occasion arose.
Although Ellen was never a “life of the party” person, her thoughtfulness ran deep. When she did offer her opinion, her ideas were always well grounded and sensible. We depended on her a great deal.
She was thorough, capable, and courageous.
To the very end, we never heard her offer a comment that indicated she felt sorry for herself and her circumstances. She loved her family and every minute of her life with you.
She spoke so frequently around the office of you and her children. You three were the light of her life. That must give you some comfort that she felt loved and loved you in return.
Although we had not had the opportunity to meet your daughter, we’ve heard you say the relationship was a close one. You can be grateful for that love between you and those memories.
I’ve heard you comment often about how supportive Mac was when you had to travel so much with your job. He must have been the kind of understanding husband most women hope to have.
She was always so pleasant and helpful to me the times I found it necessary to phone your home after hours.
The photographs you have on your desk reveal what a beautiful young woman she was. I know she understood how proud you always were of her achievements throughout her schooling and beyond.
Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her personally, those in the office who did work with her have frequently commented on her delightful sense of humor.
Though somehow our paths never seemed to cross through the years, I heard of her achievement from numerous sources.
From all those who have mentioned the shocking news around our office this week, I gather their admiration for Frank ran deep.
Even though I didn’t know your father personally, I don’t have to go far to hear others speak of him so fondly. Evidently, so many, many people valued their association with him through the years.
Offer any help you or the organization can provide, but be specific. General offers (“if there’s anything I can do to help”) sound insincere.
If we can help with any hotel arrangements for out-of-town relatives traveling to the memorial service, let us know.
If I can provide assistance through our legal department, please call on me.
I’m sure the estate details are complex and varied. If you need assistance, we have an expert on staff who can possibly offer you advice when the time comes to make further decisions.
If we can provide temporary assistance for the children’s care while you must be out of town, both Joan Black and I are free for the weekend. I’ll phone you later in the week to see what you decide.
If you feel the need to get away for a quiet rest during the coming months, please phone me; we have a house on Lake Livingston we’d be glad for you to use.
If you’d like me to notify specific clients and colleagues that you’ll be away from the office for a while, I’d be more than happy to help in that small way.
Let me know if there is any major project on your desk that can’t wait for your return, and I’ll be happy to cover for you. My home number is 234-5678.
Mention any memorial you are making on behalf of the deceased such as flowers, a book, or monetary donations.
The flowers represent the beautiful memories Carol left behind.
We are sending flowers as an expression of our esteem for Ralph.
Gene’s portrait will be hung in our executive meeting room as a constant reminder of his leadership in our organization.
Our check to the museum that Sherry so diligently worked to support should arrive shortly.
In honor of Kevin, we are forwarding a check to the American Cancer Society.
The flowers you have received are a small expression of the great loss we feel.
Please accept our small donation to the art fund as our way of saying thank you for the community pride Bill exemplified with his life.
We have made a donation to the American Cancer Society in Bill’s name. In some small way, we want to add to his influence in the world.
We’ve donated two copies of Peter Drucker’s latest book to our library in memory of Joan. Everyone interested in the leadership skills and management philosophies Joan exemplified will see her name on the book’s inside cover.
The flowers that will be arriving shortly are a small symbol of my great esteem for Jerome.
Handwrite your letter on personal stationery to add a warmer touch.
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