Grieving the Loss of a Father - on Father’s Day

Actually, Father’s Day can be a difficult time for someone grieving the loss of either parent. It also can be awkward for friends and family wondering what to do with - or say to - the grieving person on this special day. We hope that you will join those who have found the following suggestions to be helpful in similar circumstances.

Download this information as a tipsheet for you or your organization, including Support for you and Support for a friend who has lost a father. An excerpt:

Ways to remember your father

• Take part in an activity that your father would appreciate


• Go to a location that holds special memories of him


• Remember your father with a special meal


• Was there a tradition that he especially enjoyed on Father’s Day? If so, is there a way you can take part in that in some way?


• Use the day to share stories of your father with other members of the family, especially younger generations that might not have known him well


• Make a financial gift to an organization that he supported


• Take flowers to your father’s gravesite


• Give flowers to your faith community in his memory


• Listen to music that your father enjoyed


• Support a community cause that was important to your father

Download the complete tipsheet for you or your organization, including Support for you and Support for a friend who has lost a father.

Philip Carpenter, MDiv, Program Officer & Bereavement Specialist, HFA