I need to announce the death of our honorary president

Question

Our honorary president, a great scholar and practitioner, highly appreciated internationally for decades, has passed away and our centre (actually, its president) should inform the foreign organisations he was a member of.

It was already decided that a two-page necrologue would be enclosed to the letter.

What should the (cover?) letter contain and what are the proper phrases for such an announcement?

Thank you,
Yours sincerely
Bilbophile

MountainHiker · Accepted Answer

Hi bilbophile,

I don't think there are any standards. I would tend to be brief. If he had close relationships with some people, I might provide more information.

Your name
Your position
Your organization
Address
Zip/Postal Code

Date

Recipient's name
Position
Address
Zip/Postal Code

Dear Mr. Lucky Recipient:

The purpose of this letter is to inform of the passing away of John Doe. [Optional: Please inform your members. Remove John Doe from any committees etc.] I have also attached his obituary to this letter. [If you want it displayed, state that.]

We are saddened by his death. He left behind (mention relatives etc).

Paragraph discussing what the oroganization meant to him. The importance of it. Key thoughts.

[Optional: Often people don't want flowers. Instead, they prefer money be given to a charity. You can mention that here if you like.]

Thank you for your help and understanding.

Yours sincerely,
Bilbophile

Bilbophile · Answer

Thank you very much, MountainHiker. Your advice has been most helpful both with respect to the content and form.

MountainHiker · Answer

bilbophile,

Glad I could help. Thank you very much for letting us know that the advice was of benefit.

MountainHiker

Nona the brit · Answer

I would think that what you will be attaching is an 'obituary', not a 'necrologue'.

I need to announce the death of our honorary president

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