Example Condolence Letter to Make Writing a Condolence Easy

Start with an example condolence letter and then writing your own will be a breeze. There are three samples below, ranging in formality and style, but each has the same basic components.

They will each give you ideas for writting your own condolence.

Please don't borrow from these samples too much. Your condolence should be written in your own voice. Even sympathy business letters are personal, individual and warm.

Example Condolence Letter #1- Sample Business Sympathy Letter

This example condolence letter uses a standard business letter format. You should use a business letter format for a formal letter or for words of condolence from a manager to an employee's family.

January 12th, 2008 Dear Friends and Family of Roger Stanton, I am saddened to hear of Roger's death. Please accept my sincere condolences. On behalf of the entire office, please accept our deepest sympathy. Roger will be greatly missed at our office. He was a dear friend and employee. We will miss his sense of humor and warm smile. We are forunate to have gotten to know him and to have been able to work along side of him for so many years. Please know that we will be remembering Roger and honoring his life with a floral tribute in our office's break room. Many of our employees have expressed interest in sending sympathy wishes to Roger's family. This card has provided a source of comfort for us, as we have been able to acknowledge the passing of a wonderful man. May it bring some comfort to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Dennis Howard

Example Condolence Letter #2- Sample Business Sympathy Letter

This sample condolence letter uses a standard business letter format. You should use a business letter format for a formal letter or for words of condolence from a manager to an employee's family.

January 27th, 2007 Mr. John Hollingsworth President and CEO Kent Manufacturing Inc. 15612 Lexington Avenue Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503 Dear John: Please accept my sincere condolences for the sudden loss of your dear father last week. I can only imagine what a shock it must be to you and your family. Joyce and the children also send their thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. Although I didn't know your father that well, on the few occasions that I spent time in his company, I did come to realize his great kindness and devotion to his employees, co-workers and family. And I do know that he was very highly respected throughout this community and profession. You were very fortunate to have such a man as a model in your life. Having just suffered the loss of my own father as well, I have some idea of what you and your family are going through. No comfort is adequate for such a loss. Please pass on my deepest sympathies to your mother, and your brothers, and to all of your father's grandchildren. Sincere condolences, Brett Turner

Example Condolence Letter #3- Sample Business Sympathy Letter

This sample condolence letter uses a standard business letter format. You should use a business letter format for a formal letter or for words of condolence from a manager to an employee's family.

January 12th, 2009 175A Fairmont Ave. Toronto, ON M5W 1F2 Dear Robert, I would like to express my sincere condolences for the unexpected death of your brother. I just read of Ben's death in the obituary this morning and I am still recovering from the shock of it. I can only imagine what a difficult loss this will be for you, to lose a brother and friend. As you know, Ben and I go back more than 7 years both as friends and business associates. Not only was he a great person to work alongside, he was also an excellent golfing partner with whom I spent many memorable days on the green. He had an wonderful sense of humor and was one of the most generous and caring men I've known. In short, your brother Ben was an exceptional friend and co-worker who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Would you please pass on my sincere condolences to all of your family members and let them know that we share your sorrow and that we are remembering Ben. My affectionate respects to you and yours, Greg Barns

For a step-by-step guide to writing a condolence letter, see our Letter of Condolence Guide.

Instead of using an example condolence letter you can use see our sample sympathy letters.

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