A eulogy can be a either a chronological account/biography, one or more stories, a recollection of personal memories shared at some point in the service by family, friends and work colleagues.

The Eulogy is seen as the more complex, as sharing a loved ones life story calls upon the person preparing to be something of a story teller or creative writer if he or she is to hold the attention of mourners.

If it is decided that a chronological account of the deceased’s life is what is needed then the recollections of dates and places of other family members will be very important in the story-telling process. The greater the variety of the information gathered in the research part of the process, the easier it will be to write to write the speech. In addition, a variety of information makes for a more interesting and memorable memorial speech.

Personal Information

• Age
• Family - marriage(s), children, parents, pets
• Work/Career
• Education 
• Hobbies and free time activities
• Places lived 
• Membership in social, religious or professional organisations 
• Offices held in government, professional or community organisations 
• Military service
• Special life events 
• Special accomplishments, achievements and awards

Additional Notable Information

• Beliefs, cherished values
• Life philosophies 
• Poems, quotes, or letters written by the deceased (as a way of bringing his or her own voice into the service) 
• Special poems, quotes, passages or verses Reminisces and Recollections 
• Family stories and anecdotes 
• Friends' stories and anecdotes 
• Co-workers' stores and anecdotes 
• Colleagues' stores and anecdotes 
• Favourite quotes, expressions of the deceased
• Additions for Religious Service 
• Favourite Religious Text verses 
• Favourite Religious Text readings or passages 
• Prayers, Blessings 
• Sermon, homily, speech

To make a eulogy or the shared stories memorable...

• Write about the memories you had - so it comes across naturally
• Write about memories that the audience can remember
• Think positively when you write about the person 
• Insert some humour into the eulogy (jokes, quotes, sayings) 
• Say/read your eulogy as though you are talking to a friend.  

Writing a eulogy could help you ease your pain and some of the grief you are feeling. Losing somebody is never easy. Sharing what you feel and being able to let people know who your beloved family member or friend really was will be one of the best last gifts you can give them.
Source: http://www.eulogyspeech.net/eulogy-writing/
Examples of Eulogies

• Chronological or Life History: Tribute to John F. Kennedy Junior 
• Shared Memories: My Daddy Was My Hero - Bindi Irwin 
• Tribute: Tribute to Princess Diana by Her brother, The Earl Spencer 
• Special Theme - Humour: John Cleese's Memorable Memorial Speech for Graham and Cher's Eulogy for Sonny 
• Special Theme - Given for Someone Unknown: President Ronald Reagan's Eulogy for the Challenger Astronauts 
• Special Theme - Musical Sir Elton John's Musical Tribute to Princess Diana 
• Special Theme – Toasts A Toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns