Saying a final farewell to someone special in your life is often an emotionally difficult process. While it’s not always easy knowing how to say goodbye, this is your chance to impart some kind and loving words and express just how much you’ll miss them when they pass away. 

We always recommend speaking from the heart, but it’s ok if you’re unsure where to start. In that case, review some of our “you will be greatly missed” quotes for inspiration. 

How to say “you will be missed”

How do you say you will be missed?

Well, sometimes it can be as simple as saying just that, but other times, you may want to express a little more.

To help you form the right words when saying a final goodbye to a loved one, we’ve listed out some special ways to say “you’ll be missed.”

Original ways to say “you’ll be missed” 

Use these simple sayings as a starting point, and let your heart take care of the rest. 

“I’ll miss you.”

Don’t feel like you have to complicate things. This is straight and to the point—you will be missed, meaning your absence will be felt. 

You can expand on this by telling your friend or relative that you’ll think of them often and that you’ll forever hold their memory near and dear to your heart. 

“I’ll think of you always.” 

This is another way to say “you will be missed,” which lets that special someone know that you won’t forget about them and they’ll always remain on your mind. 

To say more, you might mention a particular day or occasion that they’ll be in your thoughts. For example, “I’ll think of you always, especially on St. Patrick’s Day — your favorite holiday. I’ll wear green from head to toe, listen to your favorite Irish songs, and celebrate memories of you.” 

“I love you.” 

Professing your love is another way to express how deeply you’ll miss your family member or close friend after they pass away. 

Start by saying, “I love you,” and consider expressing everything you love about them and the ways in which you’ll miss their presence. For instance, “I love you. I love your big heart, comforting hugs, and crazy sense of humor. I’ll miss all those things about you and so much more.”

“I’m thankful for our time together.” 

No matter if you knew them for just a few months, several years, or an entire lifetime, expressing your appreciation for their existence is another way to say “you will be missed.” 

If you’d like to say more, you could reminisce on your favorite memories together and explain what an important role they played in your life. You might say, “I’ll always treasure our summer vacations at the beach. No one will ever come close to building a better sandcastle than you! I’ll miss you so much and will think of you always, especially when I visit the sea.”

“I wish we had more time to enjoy together.”

Sometimes, it just doesn’t feel like we’re given enough time in this life, and saying “you will be missed” after death in this way expresses that sentiment. 

If you’re looking to expand on this quote, you could consider saying something like, “I wish we had more time together. I wish we could take that trip to Europe we always dreamed about. I wish we could host another joint birthday party like we did every year. And most of all, I wish we had more time to spend holding hands and enjoying one another’s company.”

Famous quotes to say “you will be greatly missed” 

Still not sure what to say or how to say it? Consider taking some inspiration from these famous quotes — and your heart will surely know what to do next. 

“In case you ever foolishly forget, I am never not thinking of you.” -Virginia Wolfe

Using this quote is a beautiful way to tell your loved one that they’ll always be in your thoughts. After all, a big part of missing someone is thinking about them and remembering and honoring their spirit. 

“No matter where you go, you will always be in my heart.” -Anthony T Hincks

This “you will be missed” quote reminds your loved one that they’ll remain in your heart forever. It means that special person will always be a part of you and that you’ll miss them terribly after they pass away. 

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.” -Alfred Lord Tennyson.

This quote suggests that even though you’ll miss them, their absence will create something beautiful. It paints a lovely mental picture of you strolling through a lush field of flowers, as more bloom with every passing thought and memory of your loved one. 

“For when the cold winds blow, I will close my eyes calmly, knowing I am anchored to you.” -Tyler Knott Gregson

A “you will always be missed” quote like this one lets you express that you’ll remain connected to your loved one no matter what happens after life and death. This quote can offer peace and comfort, as it reminds you both of the unbreakable bond you share. 

“The pain of missing you is a beautiful reminder of the joy of loving you.” -Dean Jackson

One interpretation of this quote is that the pain associated with missing someone is often an indicator of just how much they’re loved. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so painful if you didn’t love them so deeply. This acknowledges that missing your loved one may be difficult, but it’s worth it for the chance to have loved them in the first place. 

Saying goodbye to a friend or relative is one of the most difficult conversations you may have, but don’t shy away from it. Embrace it as an opportunity to share your final sentiments, which may provide you with some comfort after they pass, knowing you had that final special moment together. 

Read more: What to say instead of sorry for your loss? Try these 35 alternatives