It is customary in our society to post obituaries in newspapers. They are usually written by close family members or friends of the deceased. Although obituaries are typically written under somber circumstances, pride and pleasure is possible in posting them if they are done right. They can even be prepared ahead if the situation of the passing on is anticipated to get too overwhelming.

Obituaries present the biographical accounts of recently departed people. They are usually served through public newspapers as notices of death and memorial services although the internet is fast becoming the predominant medium. They also offer a formality for taking final stock of the deceased's life and can actually be uplifting for friends and families in playing back the positives and high points over its course.

As more of them are archived at news organizations and other publication houses, Obituary Records have become one of the standard categories maintained by public record databases and normally go hand in hand with Death Records. They are a great source of help for genealogy, family and ancestry research. Other valuable investigative data on late people can also be gathered through their obituary records. Personal particulars such as name, place, age, dates of birth and death will be presented. Other information also often found includes names of family members, credentials, awards, achievements, education, profession, military service and religious identity.

With the advent of the internet, obituary records have become much more accessible by the public. This has led to increased patronage and interest and commercial data compilers have duly jumped in to seize the opportunity. They can see business value in the information. But really the value of obituaries is much more. Other public records lose their essence upon the passing of the subject while obituaries' would just be starting. After all, they are forever.