Memorial Awards that Matter: Thoughtful Ways to Honor an Employee’s Legacy

Suburban Custom Awards has been helping organizations mark achievements, dedication and service for decades. Recognition comes in many forms, but few carry the importance or weight of a memorial award. This tribute is a profound act that honors the life and contributions made to the organization. It’s a rare opportunity to reinforce the culture and core values of the organization.

Memorial awards and recognition are more than just a product; it is about preserving a legacy. Our expert team guides organizations to the right tribute and to the most fitting and heartfelt message. Here is our guide for crafting a lasting memorial recognition.

Memorial Recognition: Preserving Culture and Inspiring Futures

Organizations that recognize an individual who has passed send a powerful message to their current and future staff. It shows that the company values the people who build it. Based on our vast experience, memorial recognition typically falls into two categories. Each of these requires a slightly different approach.

1. Paying Tribute to Friends and Family. This involves presenting the honoree’s family with a crystal award, plaque, or custom item. This tribute commemorates the person for a specific impact, character, or tenure. This provides the family with a beautiful, permanent keepsake.
2. Enduring Inspirational Awards. This tribute honors the values of the deceased by recognizing future staff or members who embody similar qualities. This award is usually named after the honoree (e.g., “The John Graves Leadership Award”), establishing them as an enduring role model in the workplace and beyond.

How to Choose the Best Physical Tribute

Whichever physical award you choose should reflect the permanence and gravity of the recognition. The Suburban team specializes in customizing tributes to ensure they are appropriate and unique.

Award Type	Why It’s A good Fit for Memorial Recognition	Product Ideas from Suburban Custom Awards
Plaques and Wall Displays	Permanent, highly visible	Black piano plaque, cast aluminum wall plaque
Crystal and Glass Awards	Clarity, timeless elegance symbolizes respect	Tiered crystal triangle award, Black crystal tear drop
Specialty and Service Pieces	Specific tributes, long-term service or military background	Walnut finish photo perpetual plaque, Crystal eagle on black base

Heart of a Tribute: Ready-to-Use Wording Guide for Memorial Awards

Once you choose the perfect memorial award, you’ll want to ensure the wording is heartfelt and sincere. Here is a quick reference guide to help you draft the perfect memorable message.

Wording Focus	Engraving Text to Customize	Key Message
Service and Impact	Organization name/ In Grateful Recognition of Honoree Name & Dates/For the Significant Impact He/She Made to Improve ___/ We will never forget.	Acknowledges specific contributions/ Promises remembrance.
Tenure and Wisdom	In Memory of / Honoree Name/ Who Faithfully Served / Organization Name / For # Years/ We are grateful for your wisdom and guidance / Date	Emphasizes loyalty, dedication, and quality of advice.
Dedication and Commitment	We Will Forever Miss Our Dear Friend / Honoree Name / Whose Dedication & Commitment to Organization Name /Was Unsurpassed/ The Impact You Made Here Will be Felt for Many Generations. / Date	Heartfelt, highly emotional tribute focused on character and lasting influence.
Leadership and Friendship	In Memory of / Honoree Name/ Title of Organization/ Date Range/ Your Leadership, Wisdom, and Friendship Has Left a Significant Impression on Our Organization. We are Better Because of Your Efforts. / Date	Suitable for honoring former directors, mentors, or leaders. Highlights personal relationships.

Partnering with the Pros at Suburban Custom Awards

Creating a memorial award and tribute is a serious responsibility. It’s one you shouldn’t have to do alone. The dedication and extensive experience of the team at Suburban Custom Awards ensure every detail is perfect. We look at things you may not think about, like the weight of the award or the proper placement of a comma in the engraving, and we handle it with the utmost professionalism and care.

Is your organization planning a memorial award? Contact us today and let us put our expertise and experience to work for you. We’ll guide you through the process that they and their family deserve.