Funny obituary phrases

Obituary for Harold "Harry" Thompson

It is with heavy hearts and an acceptance of his irreverent sense of humor that we announce the passing of Harold "Harry" Thompson on October 12, 2023, at the age of 72. Harry left this world just as he lived in it: with a snappy comeback and a twinkle in his eye, proving that laughter is indeed the best medicine—unless you’re allergic to it, in which case, he’d likely tell you to get a second opinion.

Born on April 1, 1951, in a town aptly named “Jokerville,” Harry quickly learned that life was a series of punchlines waiting to be delivered. He spent his early years crafting his comedic voice while irritating his younger siblings with terrible knock-knock jokes and puns that would make even the most forgiving eye roll. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he somehow managed to marry Carol, the love of his life, who frequently said, "I married him for better or worse—never for lunch!"

Harry enjoyed a long career as a teacher, where he seamlessly incorporated humor into his lessons, reminding thousands of students that learning could be fun (or at least more entertaining than watching paint dry). His ability to turn the serious into the silly was unmatched, and it won him several awards—mostly for “Best Classroom Prank” and “Most Likely to Tell a Dad Joke During a Graduation Ceremony.”

In his retirement, Harry became known as the “Grandmaster of Grandpa Jokes,” delighting his grandchildren with humorous tales and the occasional magic trick that involved disappearing snacks. He was famous for saying, “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!” His kids couldn’t help but groan while secretly loving every pun-filled moment.

Harry is survived by Carol, his devoted wife of 50 glorious years who can finally get some peace and quiet; his two children, Emily and Jake, who have inherited his sense of humor (much to the chagrin of their spouses); and five grandchildren who will forever remember their grandpa’s theatrical reading of “Green Eggs and Ham” in which he really understood the “green” part.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you send jokes—not just any jokes, but the worst jokes you can find. Harry believed laughter should be shared, especially when it’s at someone else’s expense, and he would have loved to have his family compiling a collection of truly terrible humor to share at his memorial.

A celebration of Harry’s life will be held on October 20, 2023, at 2 PM at the Funny Bone Community Center, where guests are encouraged to wear their most outrageous hats and to come prepared with their best (or worst) jokes. Because if Harry taught us anything, it’s that even in death, a little laughter can brighten the darkest days.

Rest in peace, Harry. May your afterlife be filled with endless punchlines and an audience that never stops laughing.