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50 Ways to Express that Someone is Gone but Never Forgotten

When someone we love passes away, it can be difficult to put into words how much they meant and how deeply they will be missed. However, finding ways to express that they are gone but never forgotten can provide comfort and solace during a time of grief. This article includes ideas for honoring your loved one whether that be through actions or through different iterations of common “forever missed, never forgotten” quotes.

What does "gone but never forgotten" mean?

The phrase "gone but never forgotten" is a popular way to describe someone who has passed away, when their memory continues to live on. It's also a way to pay tribute to the impact that someone had.

How can I express that someone is gone but never forgotten?

Expressing the feelings of loss in a public forum (whether it be on social media or elsewhere) of a loved one who has passed away can be a deeply personal and meaningful way to keep their legacy alive. There are countless ways to honor the memory of someone we've lost, from creating online memorials, to getting a tattoo in their honor. Some people choose to get tattoos featuring images or quotes that remind them of their loved ones, while others prefer wearing meaningful jewelry as a constant reminder of their presence. For some, hosting events in memory of a loved one is the best way to celebrate the person’s life and keep their memory alive. Whatever way you choose to express your remembrance of someone who has passed away, know that it's an important step towards healing.

Quotes to remember a loved one

While acts such as creating memorials, writing letters or dedicating spaces can be powerful ways to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away, sometimes an act just isn't enough. Verbal expressions of remembrance can provide emotional comfort and solidarity when dealing with grief. Talking about someone who has passed away in positive terms can help keep their legacy alive and remind you of the good times we shared with them. Verbal expressions may also be more accessible for some people - not everyone is able to create a physical memorial or dedicate space due to financial constraints or other reasons. Whether it's through stories, quotes or unique phrases that capture the essence of our cherished memories, verbal expressions are a way to keep your loved ones close and ensure they are never forgotten. Here are some phrases to build from when thinking of memorial quotes.

1. "Their legacy will live on forever."
2. "Their memory will always be cherished."
3. "They may not be with us in person, but their spirit lives on."
4. "Even though they're gone, their impact on our lives remains."
5. "The world was a better place because of them and we won't forget it."
6. "Though they're no longer here, their love still surrounds us."
7. "We'll miss them every day, but their memory will never fade away."
8. "Their light may have dimmed, but it will continue to shine through us."
9. "Although we can't see them anymore, we can feel their presence around us always."
10. "We lost a loved one, but gained an angel watching over us from above."
11. "Our loved one's time on this earth might've been brief, but the impact they had was profound and everlasting.”
12. "They left behind big shoes to fill, and we'll try our best to keep walking in their footsteps.”
13. "It's hard saying goodbye to somebody who has made such an impact in our life, but it's comforting knowing that even though they aren't with us physically anymore, we carry them with us wherever we go.” 14."Every time I think of you, I smile. Thank you for leaving behind so many happy memories.”
14. "Your absence leaves a void in my heart, but your memories fill that space.”

Never forgotten poems

While shorter quotes are useful for something like a tattoo, you may want to consider posting a longer memory to express your remembrance of your loved one. These poems are popular choices when it comes to honoring the memory of a loved one

1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye: "Do not stand at my grave and weep,
   I am not there; I do not sleep.
   I am a thousand winds that blow,
   I am the diamond glints on snow."

2. "Remember Me" by David Harkins "Do not shed tears when I have gone but smile instead because I have lived. Do not shut your eyes and pray to God that I'll come back but open your eyes and see all that I have left behind. I know your heart will be empty because you cannot see me but still I want you to be full of the love we shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live only for yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of what happened between us yesterday. You can remember me and grieve that I have gone or you can cherish my memory and let it live on. You can cry and lose yourself, become distraught and turn your back on the world or you can do what I want - Smile, wipe away the tears, learn to love again and go on."

3. "The Dash" by Linda Ellis: "I read of a man who stood to speak
   At the funeral of a friend
   He referred to the dates on her tombstone
   From the beginning to the end.
   He spoke of the memories they shared"

4. "An Angel's Handprint" by Bambi Edwards: "When an angel comes around,
   A handprint may be found.
   On your heart or in your mind,
   This print is one of a kind."

These poems offer different perspectives on how you can remember your loved ones after they have passed away, while also emphasizing their enduring influence in you and your loved ones’ lives.

Activities to remember a loved one

While “you will be forever missed and never forgotten” quotes can offer meaning, some might find that they want to do an activity of some kind to honor their loved one. These activities are great opportunities to remember and reflect on the life of someone close to you.

1. Create a memorial garden filled with your loved one's favorite flowers.
2. Write letters or notes sharing your favorite memories with them.
3. Wear memorial jewelry, such as lockets or bracelets containing photos or other mementos.
4. Dedicate a bench in your local park to your loved one.
5. Build something - perhaps a birdhouse or swing set - in memory of your loved one.
6. Create a scrapbook filled with photos and other keepsakes.
7. Gather friends and family for a memorial service or celebration of life ceremony.
8. Plant a tree in your loved one's honor.
9. Donate to a charity or cause that was important to your loved one.
10. Write a poem or song dedicated to their memory.
11. Hang up framed photos around your home as reminders of happy times together.
12. Create a playlist featuring their favorite songs or music you enjoyed together.
13. Host an annual event - such as a barbecue or game night - in memory of your loved one.
14. Take time each year on the anniversary of their passing to reflect on their impact on your life.
15. Get a tattoo featuring an image or quote that reminds you of your loved one.

I want to get a “gone but never forgotten” tattoo, what are some popular quotes I can use for it?

Memorial tattoos are a popular and lasting way to honor someone’s life, but finding the right saying or quote can feel tricky, since it’s something that’s going on your body forever. If you’re looking for more iterations on the classic “RIP” or “gone but never forgotten” tattoos, these quotes are for you:

• "Not gone, just gone ahead."
• “You will be forever missed and never forgotten.”
• “You will never be forgotten.”
• "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day."
• “Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed”
• "Forever in our hearts."
• “Always remembered, never forgotten.”
• “Always loved, never forgotten.
• “A beautiful soul is never forgotten.”
• "In loving memory."
• "Always in my thoughts."
• "Gone but not forgotten."
• "Until we meet again."
• "Your memory will never fade."
• "You may be gone, but you'll never be forgotten."
• "I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)."

Though it’s difficult to come to terms with the loss of someone you love, finding ways to express that they are gone but never forgotten can help you feel connected to them even after they're gone. Whether it's through creating space for their memory, planting trees, writing letters, getting a tattoo, or any number of other ideas, there are countless ways to honor the memories of those we've lost and keep them close in our hearts forever. If you’d like to create a memorial website as a place to start remembering someone’s legacy, consider using Ever Loved’s free memorial websites to get started.

Create a memorial site