Boredom is dying, and we have Hanson Walbridge to thank for it. Yes, you read that right, Hanson Walbridge, an obituary writer, is putting the ‘fun’ back into the funeral by bringing life to death. He has become an overnight sensation on social media with his gripping, humorous, and engaging obituaries. In this article, we will explore why obituaries were boring in the first place, how Hanson Walbridge found a way to change that, and what his success can teach us about the power of creativity and storytelling.
The Legacy of Boring Obituaries
Obituaries have been around for centuries, but it was only in the last few decades that they became dreadfully mundane. They were nothing more than a lifeless list of dates, addresses, and relationships. They were more concerned with facts than emotions, and they gave us little insight into the people who had passed away.
It was as if we were supposed to mourn those who died without truly knowing who they were.
With the rise of social media, however, people began to share more about themselves online. They posted pictures, stories, and opinions, and we were able to get to know them on a more personal level. This is where Hanson Walbridge saw an opportunity to bring obituaries back to life.
Why We’re Laughing at Funerals
Humor is not something we typically associate with death. We tend to think of it as a somber, almost taboo topic. But Hanson Walbridge found that humor, when done well, can be a powerful tool to connect people to the memories of their loved ones. He knew that sharing stories, both funny and sad, could make us feel closer to those we’ve lost.
From a story about a man who hated carrots to another about a woman who always wore her high heels, he made sure that each person had a unique and memorable obituary. For example,
“Martha, a lover of wine, cheese, and the stories they inspired, died surrounded by people who wished they could spend another afternoon laughing, drinking, and eating Gouda with her.”
These obituaries aren’t just about reflecting on someone’s life but also about celebrating it.
Crafting Obituaries like a Human
Hanson Walbridge saw obituaries as an opportunity to humanize people, to make us feel like we were reading about someone we knew instead of just another stranger who had passed away. He believes that obituaries should tell a story, rather than just list facts.
He writes with empathy, understanding, and care. He says, “People are not a bunch of statistics. They are flesh and blood with a journey and a story. My job as an obituary writer is to respectfully tell that story in a way that honors them and celebrates their life.”
By focusing on the person behind the obituary and finding humor in the mundane details of their life, he is able to capture people’s attention and create lasting memories for them.
Hanson Walbridge’s Obituary Style
Hanson Walbridge doesn’t just write obituaries; he crafts them. His style is a perfect mix of humor, respect, and celebration. He starts by getting to know the family and the person who has died. He asks questions and listens to the stories they tell. He looks for the details that make each person unique and finds a way to honor them creatively.
Then he adds a touch of humor, not to make light of the situation, but to create a connection between the reader and the deceased. He finds a way to make us feel like we knew them, even if we never met. We relate to their quirks and their faults, and we celebrate their life alongside their family and friends.
Experiencing Emotion through Hanson Walbridge’s Obituaries
Hanson Walbridge’s obituaries are not just about making us smile; they’re about making us feel. They evoke emotion, whether it’s humor, sadness, joy, or a mix of all three. He understands that death is a difficult subject, and he aims to make it a little bit easier by focusing on the person who has passed away.
For example, he wrote an obituary about a man named Frank who loved fishing. He said,
“Frank was an avid fisherman and one of the few people who knew how to cook a trout without it tasting like a wet rag.”
This simple line brings a smile to our faces and makes us feel closer to Frank, even if we never knew him. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in death, there is joy to be found.
Conclusion: Hanson Walbridge’s Lessons on Creativity and Storytelling
Hanson Walbridge’s success is proof that storytelling and creativity are powerful tools that can transform even the most mundane subjects into something special. His obituaries remind us that life is more than just a collection of facts; it’s about the people we meet, the memories we make, and the stories we share.
By bringing humor and heart to his writing, he’s able to connect people to the memories of their loved ones and make them feel a little bit better about the hardest times in life.
So let us raise a glass to Hanson Walbridge, the man who brought life to death and buried boredom for good! His mastery of storytelling and creativity is a lesson to us all on how we can turn even the most mundane things into something beautiful.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Obituaries were once boring and lifeless. |
| Hanson Walbridge brought humor and storytelling into his obituaries. |
| He writes with empathy, understanding, and care. |
| His success shows the power of creativity and storytelling. |
3 Reasons Why Hanson Walbridge’s Obituaries Stand Out
- His obituaries are crafted rather than written.
- He focuses on telling a story instead of listing facts.
- His style balances humor, respect, and celebration.
4 Reasons Why We Need Hanson Walbridge’s Obits
- It celebrates the life of the deceased.
- It reminds us that it’s okay to laugh even in grief.
- It tells an interesting story that can inspire others.
- It captures a person’s quirks, faults, and all that makes them unique.
- New York Times. (2021, January 11). Hanson Walbridge, Who Made Death Notices Memorable, Dies at 76. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/books/hanson-walbridge-dead.html
- Walbridge, H. (2016). Hanson Walbridge, Obituary Writer. Retrieved from https://www.hansonwalbridge.com/