Sample Letter of Sympathy for a Dad

This Sample Letter of Sympathy for a Dad offers encouragement to the oldest son by reminding him of the people who support him.  Its message carries even more significance for the recipient, since it’s written from the perspective of a man who also lost his father at a young age.  Even if you, yourself, cannot identify with the young man in this way, the rest of the letter remains appropriate, depending on the details of the family situation.  If there are siblings, perhaps you’ll want to mention their names.  You also might want to mention one of the boy’s particular accomplishments or qualities of which his father was proud.  At the end of the letter, add your own invitation to spend time with the boy. Tailor this Sample Letter of Sympathy for a Dad to fit the situation of the grieving young man in your own life.

Sample Letter of Sympathy for a Dad

Dear Josh,

I hope things have settled down a bit since your father’s funeral. Everyone at church wants to give you, your mom and your siblings some time to yourselves, some breathing room, and a little solitude. But we still think about you and pray for you every day. We have not forgotten about you.

I, too, lost my father when I was about your age, so I know some of what you might be experiencing. As the oldest son, you might feel pressured into taking on more responsibility than you can handle. Your mother probably needs your help more now, and you and your siblings probably do need to take on more responsibilities. She will need to depend on you many times. But I want you to know that you shouldn’t feel as if you must take your father’s place. You are not expected to, in spite of what some people may be telling you.

You and your family are surrounded by neighbors and friends who are available when you need help. Don’t hesitate to ask us. No one can ever take your father’s place, but many of us are willing to help fill in the gaps when we can.

Your father was a great man, and it’s going to be difficult to grow up without him. Grab onto to all the great memories you have of him and never let go. Remember the things he taught you and take them to heart. Your father was proud of you; continue to make him proud throughout your life.

I know you wish more than anything that he could have lived for many more years to watch you and your siblings grow up, to support you, to celebrate with you in your life’s accomplishments. You will continue to miss him, especially during those important times in life. But who’s to say that your father won’t be there, watching, and giving you his thumbs-up approval from heaven? I think he will!

I am so terribly sorry for this tremendous loss in your life, Josh. The next few months and years won’t be easy. Don’t forget that you have many friends you can turn to—at any time.

I hear that you and your brother enjoy playing ping-pong. Some of the neighborhood guys come over to my house for a little tournament every Thursday night. Maybe you’d like to start joining us, if your mom doesn’t mind. I’ll give you a call next week.

Hang in there, buddy.

Your friend,

Bob Newton