I chose this epitaph from Robert Burns for my father's funeral - it was almost as if it had been written for him.

EPITAPH ON MY EVER HONOURED FATHER


O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious rev'rence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains,
The tender father, and the gen'rous friend.

The pitying heart that felt for human woe,
The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride,
The friend of man – to vice alone a foe;
For 'ev'n his failings lean'd to virtue's side'.


Robert Burns