Crafting a Unique Tom Gowdy Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will help you create a compelling and unique obituary for Tom Gowdy of Lubbock, TX, focusing on presenting his life story in a fresh and engaging way. We'll move beyond the traditional format, aiming to capture the essence of who he was and the impact he had on those around him.
Prerequisites:
- Information Gathering: The most crucial prerequisite is gathering information about Tom Gowdy's life. This includes:
- Respect and Sensitivity: Remember that you are writing about a person who has passed away, and you should approach the task with respect and sensitivity.
- Time and Patience: Crafting a meaningful obituary takes time and effort. Don't rush the process.
- Word Processor (or Equivalent): Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, or any other program you use for writing and editing text.
- Internet Access: For research (e.g., looking up local news outlets, obituary websites) and potentially for finding photos.
- Photo (Optional): A good quality photo of Tom Gowdy can significantly enhance the obituary.
- Pen and Paper (Optional): For brainstorming and jotting down notes.
- Writer's Block: If you're struggling to write, take a break and come back to it later. Talk to family and friends for inspiration.
- Conflicting Information: If you have conflicting information about Tom Gowdy's life, try to verify the facts with multiple sources.
- Family Disagreements: If family members disagree about the content of the obituary, try to find a compromise that everyone can agree on.
- Formatting Issues: If you're having trouble formatting the obituary, consult the guidelines provided by the newspaper or website where you're submitting it.
- Word Count Limits: Many publications have word count limits. Be prepared to edit and shorten your obituary if necessary.
* Basic Biographical Details: Full name, date of birth, date of death, place of birth, place of death.
* Family Information: Names of his spouse, children, parents, siblings, and other significant family members.
* Life Story Details: This is where you'll need to delve deeper. Think about:
* Career: What did he do for a living? Was he passionate about his work?
* Hobbies and Interests: What did he enjoy doing in his free time?
* Achievements: What was he most proud of? This could be professional accomplishments, personal milestones, or acts of service.
* Personality: What was he like? Was he funny, kind, generous, adventurous, or something else entirely?
* Impact: How did he impact the lives of others? What will people remember him for?
* Anecdotes and Stories: Collect specific stories that illustrate his personality and the significant moments in his life. Talk to family and friends to gather these.
Tools:
Numbered Steps:
1. Brainstorm and Outline: Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm. Using your gathered information, create a rough outline. This will provide a structure and help you stay focused. Consider these sections:
* Introduction (The Hook): Instead of starting with "Tom Gowdy passed away...", try a more engaging opening. Perhaps a memorable quote of his, a brief anecdote that captures his essence, or a statement about his impact. For example: "Tom Gowdy, a man whose laughter echoed through Lubbock and whose kindness touched countless lives, passed away on [Date]."
* Life Story (Chronological or Thematic): You can present his life story in chronological order (from birth to death) or thematically (focusing on key aspects of his life, like his career, hobbies, or relationships). Choose the approach that best tells his story.
* Achievements and Contributions: Highlight his accomplishments, both big and small. This could include professional successes, volunteer work, hobbies he excelled at, or simply the positive impact he had on his family and community.
* Personal Reflections and Anecdotes: This is where you can inject personality and emotion into the obituary. Share specific stories that illustrate who he was. Focus on moments that show his humor, kindness, or passion.
* Family and Loved Ones: List his surviving family members. Be sensitive to family dynamics and preferences.
* Memorial Service Information: Include details about the date, time, and location of the memorial service or funeral.
* Donations (Optional): If the family wishes, include information about where donations can be made in Tom Gowdy's memory (e.g., a charity he supported).
* Closing (A Final Thought): End with a final thought that encapsulates his life and legacy. This could be a quote, a wish for his peace, or a reminder of how he will be remembered.
2. Write the First Draft: Using your outline, start writing the first draft. Don't worry about perfection at this stage; just focus on getting the information down on paper. Try to write in a conversational tone, as if you were telling a story about Tom Gowdy to a friend.
3. Focus on the "New Way": Here's where you inject the unique approach. Instead of dry facts, weave in anecdotes and stories. Consider:
* Show, Don't Tell: Instead of saying "Tom was a generous man," describe a specific instance where he showed generosity.
* Use Vivid Language: Instead of saying "He liked fishing," say "He found solace on the banks of the Brazos River, casting his line with the patience of a saint, hoping to reel in more than just a fish - a moment of peace."
* Incorporate His Voice (If Possible): If you know a favorite saying or quote of his, include it in the obituary.
* Don't Be Afraid to Show Emotion: It's okay to acknowledge the sadness and grief associated with his passing.
4. Refine and Edit: Once you have a first draft, take some time to refine and edit it.
* Read it aloud: This will help you catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.
* Check for accuracy: Ensure that all dates, names, and facts are correct.
* Cut unnecessary words: Be concise and to the point.
* Pay attention to tone: Make sure the tone is respectful, sensitive, and appropriate.
* Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or family member to read the obituary and provide feedback.
5. Choose a Photo (Optional): If you have a photo of Tom Gowdy, select one that captures his personality and spirit. Make sure it's a high-quality image.
6. Submit the Obituary: Once you are satisfied with the obituary, submit it to the appropriate outlets. This may include:
* Local Newspapers: Contact the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal or other local newspapers to inquire about their obituary submission process and fees.
* Online Obituary Websites: Consider posting the obituary on websites like Legacy.com, Find a Grave, or funeral home websites.
* Social Media: Share the obituary on social media platforms if appropriate, but be mindful of the family's wishes.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Summary:
Creating a unique and meaningful obituary for Tom Gowdy involves gathering information, crafting a compelling narrative, and paying attention to detail. By focusing on his personality, achievements, and the impact he had on others, you can create an obituary that truly captures the essence of who he was and celebrates his life in a new and engaging way. Remember to be respectful, sensitive, and patient throughout the process. The goal is to create a lasting tribute to a life well-lived.
