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How to say happy birthday to a father who passed away
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If your father has passed away, you probably miss him even more than usual when his birthday comes around. You may find it comforting to pay tribute to your dad with a heartfelt happy birthday message, but sometimes, it can be tough to find the right words to say. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of birthday wishes and quotes to inspire you. We’ve also included some suggestions to help you honor your dad’s memory on his special day.

"Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad" Messages

  1. “Happy heavenly birthday to the best dad I could ever ask for. I miss you so much, but I’ll always cherish the memories we got to share.”
  2. “Wishing a happy birthday to my dad in heaven. On days like today, I miss you even more than usual, but I know we’ll see each other again someday.”
  3. “Today, we remember the funny, kind, loving, and selfless person you were. Happy heavenly birthday to the best dad ever.”
  4. “Happy heavenly birthday to my dad, my best friend and my superhero. Even though you aren’t here anymore, I’ll always be your daughter.”
  5. “Happy birthday to my biggest inspiration, my dad. I’m so grateful I got to be your son, and I hope all the angels are celebrating you today up in heaven.”
Section 1 of 7:

Heartfelt Happy Birthday Messages for Father in Heaven

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  1. The birthday of a parent who passed away can bring up a lot of difficult feelings.[1] To process these tough emotions, you may find it helpful to write your dad a thoughtful, sincere birthday message.[2] Here are a few examples to inspire you and help you find the right words to say, whether you’re writing a birthday card to bring to your dad’s resting place, or posting a tribute to him on social media.
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the world’s greatest dad. I miss you so much, but I’ll always cherish the amazing memories we got to share.”
    • “Happy birthday to the best dad in the whole world. I’m missing you extra today, but I know you’re watching out for me from heaven.”
    • “We may be far from each other, but the love I feel for you only grows. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad. I miss you more than words can express.”
    • “Thinking of you today. You were my best friend, my protector, and my hero, and I miss you every day. Happy birthday, Dad.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday, Dad. You may not be here anymore, but I still feel your love and protection guiding me all the time.”
    • “Wishing a very happy heavenly birthday to my hero. Even though you’re no longer with us, your words of wisdom and your amazing jokes live on. I miss you so much, Dad.”
    • “Today, I want to celebrate the incredible person you were. You were devoted, loving, selfless, and hilarious, and I feel so lucky to be your child. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Each year on your birthday, I’m flooded with all my favorite memories of you. You were one-of-a-kind, and I miss you every single day. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the best dad out there. Even though I’m heartbroken that you aren’t here anymore, I’m comforted by the thought of you partying it up in heaven.”
    • “Wishing a happy heavenly birthday to my dad. Words can’t describe how much I miss you, but I know I’ll see you again someday. I love you so much, Dad.”
    • “Happy birthday, Dad! On days like today, I’m reminded of how your laughter filled up the room, and how you always put a smile on everyone’s faces. I hope the angels are throwing you a party up in heaven today because you deserve to be celebrated.”
    • “Today, we honor the smartest, strongest, and most selfless man I’ve ever known. Dad, there are no words to express how thankful I am to be your daughter. Happy heavenly birthday, and I can’t wait to see you again someday.”
    • “On days like today, I miss you even more than usual. You were the goofiest, kindest, and most loving father I could have ever asked for. I wish you were here with us, but I know you’re sending us love and protection from heaven.”
    • “Dad, I wish I could hear one more silly joke or give you one more hug. You were the best dad in the world, and I miss you all the time. Happy heavenly birthday, and thank you for being you.”
    • “Happy birthday to my fiercest protector, my cheerleader, and my best friend. Dad, you were taken from us too soon, but I feel so thankful for the time we got to spend together, even if it wasn’t enough. I love you forever.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the man who taught me everything I know. You made me the person I am today, and I’m forever grateful for the wisdom and love you showered me with. I love you so much, Dad.”
    • “I wish I could talk to you one more time and tell you how much I love you. I miss you every day, but every time I hear your favorite song, I still feel your presence here with me. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Dear Dad, you had the best advice, told the silliest jokes, and gave the best hugs. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that you aren’t here anymore, but I’m so grateful for all the love and wisdom you shared when you were still around. Happy heavenly birthday.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday, Dad. When you passed, I didn’t just lose a father—I lost a best friend. You were the most adventurous, fun-loving, and kindhearted person around, and I feel so lucky to have known you. I love you, Dad.”
    • “Dad, even though you aren’t here anymore, you’ll always be my hero. I carry your memory with me everywhere I go, and your words of wisdom are still shaping me into the person I’m meant to be. Happy heavenly birthday.”
    • “On your birthday, I’m reminded of the loving, devoted, and fiercely protective person that you were. Dad, I’m forever grateful to be your child, and I miss you so much. I hope you’re having a beautiful birthday up in heaven.”
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Section 2 of 7:

Happy Heavenly Birthday Messages for Dad from Daughter

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  1. Maybe you viewed him as your superhero, taking care of you and protecting you through everything. Or, maybe he was more like a best friend, emotionally supporting you and cheering you on as you grew up. Whatever your relationship with your dad was like, his birthday is the perfect time to reflect, reminisce, and honor his memory.
    • “Wishing a very happy heavenly birthday to my Dad. You were my superhero in every sense of the word, and being your daughter is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I love you, Dad.”
    • “Today, I remember the selfless, devoted, loving, and inspiring person you were. I know that I’m the person I am today because I was your daughter. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday, Dad. I’ll always remember your silly dad jokes, the delicious Sunday dinners you made, and the way you were there for me through everything. I’m so grateful I got to be your daughter.”
    • “Dad, I miss you all the time, but today I miss you a little extra. You were the best father I could have ever asked for, and even though you aren’t here anymore, I’ll always be your daughter.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the coolest guy ever. Dad, you always brought a smile to my face, and you could make me laugh even when I was in the worst mood. I wish you were here, but I know we’ll see each other again someday. Love, your daughter.”
Section 3 of 7:

Happy Heavenly Birthday Messages for Dad from Son

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  1. He was there to inspire you and set an example for what it looks like to be a good father, husband, and man. He supported you through thick and thin, and always showed up for you. If you’re missing your dad even more than usual on his birthday, take this chance to write him a message letting him know how much you loved and looked up to him. Here are some examples:
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the best father in the world. You taught me everything I know, and I’m so lucky that I got to be your son. Love you, Dad.”
    • “On a day like today, I miss you even more than I usually do. You showed me what it means to be a good person, and I hope you know how much I admired and looked up to you. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Dad, words can’t describe how much I miss you. I wish you were still here to crack one more silly joke, or have one more dinner at our favorite restaurant. I’ll always be thankful for the time we spent together, even if you were taken to soon. Happy heavenly birthday.”
    • “Wishing a happy heavenly birthday to the person I looked up to most. Dad, your integrity, selflessness, and kindness left a mark on everyone who knew you. I love you, and I miss you every single day.”
    • “Happy heavenly birthday to the silliest jokester, the fiercest protector, and the most loving father. I’m forever grateful for everything you did for our family, and I’m so thankful to be your son. Miss you, Dad.”
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Section 4 of 7:

Milestone Birthday Messages for Father in Heaven

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  1. If this year would have been a milestone birthday for your dad (60th, 70th, 80th, etc), you may want to mark this special occasion with a heartfelt tribute to him. Here are some examples to inspire you:
    • “Today, you would have been 60 years old! Even though you were taken too soon, you made such a mark on the world in the years that you were here, and I’m so thankful for the time we had. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad.”
    • “Wishing a happy 60th birthday to my dad. You were the funniest, kindest, and most lovable father in the world, and I miss you so much every day. I can’t wait to see you in heaven again someday.”
    • “Happy 70th birthday to my dad in heaven. You were fierce but kind, tough but forgiving, and all-around the best father I could ever ask for. I miss you so much every day, but I know you’re celebrating up there with all the angels.”
    • “Dad, you would have been 70 today. Wow! I wish you were still here so we could celebrate together, but since we’re far from each other, I’ll spend today remembering all the wonderful memories we shared. I love you, Dad.”
    • “Wishing a very happy 80th birthday to my dad in heaven. You brought so much joy to so many people while you were here, and your memory continues to bring joy to use even though you’re gone. I love you forever, Dad.”
Section 5 of 7:

Happy Birthday Quotes for Father in Heaven

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  1. End your personalized birthday message with one of these quotes, or simply write them down on their own if you’re struggling to put your feelings into words.
    • “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” — Emily Dickinson
    • “Life has to end. Love doesn’t.” —Mitch Albom
    • “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” — Pierre Auguste Renoir
    • “Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.” — Paulo Coelho
    • “What is grief, if not love persevering?” —Vision in the TV Show WandaVision
    • “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” —Pam Brown
    • "It's only when you grow up and step back from him — or leave him for your own home — it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it." – Margaret Truman
    • “As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on—in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.”— Mitch Albom
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Section 6 of 7:

Happy Birthday Poems for Father in Heaven

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  1. These excerpts would make a wonderful tribute to your dad in heaven, whether you’re writing a note to him for his birthday, posting a photo of him on social media, or saying a few words at a gathering to honor his memory.
    • “All other love is mockery to this, a Father’s love—
      Fit emblem of the strength of His, who dwelleth far above:
      More lasting than eternity– more boundless than the sea!
      The blessing mine, the ray divine, may Father’s love e’er be.”
      —Mary Eliza Perine Tucker, The Father’s Love
    • “And when great souls die,
      after a period peace blooms,
      slowly and always
      irregularly. Spaces fill
      with a kind of
      soothing electric vibration.
      Our senses, restored, never
      to be the same, whisper to us.
      They existed. They existed.
      We can be. Be and be
      better. For they existed.”
      —Maya Angelou, When Great Trees Fall
    • “An honest man here lies at rest
      As e'er God with his image blest.
      The friend of man, the friend of truth;
      The friend of Age, and guide of Youth:
      Few hearts like his with virtue warm'd,
      Few heads with knowledge so inform'd:
      If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
      If there is none, he made the best of this.”
      —Robert Burns, Epitaph on My Own Friend
    • ”When I come to the end of the road
      And the sun has set for me
      I want no rites in a gloom filled room
      Why cry for a soul set free?
      Miss me a little, but not for long
      And not with your head bowed low
      Remember the love that once we shared
      Miss me, but let me go."
      —Christina Rossetti, Let Me Go
    • “I hold it true, whate'er befall;
      I feel it, when I sorrow most;
      'Tis better to have loved and lost
      Than never to have loved at all."
      —Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memoriam A. H. H.
Section 7 of 7:

How to Honor Your Dad’s Memory on His Birthday

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  1. If you want to do something to remember your father on his birthday, try eating at his favorite restaurant, visiting his favorite park, or participating in his favorite activity. Doing the things he loved will help you connect with his memory and feel closer to him on this difficult day.[3]
    • For example, if he was an avid reader, try spending some time at his favorite bookstore, or if he enjoyed hiking, go on one of his favorite hikes with friends or family members. Whatever he enjoyed most!
  2. If you have a yard or garden, consider planting some of your dad’s favorite flowers or a tree to serve as a memorial for him.[4] Every time you see the plant grow, you’ll be reminded of your dad and all the wonderful memories you shared together.
    • If your dad was a talented home chef, consider planting a vegetable, herb, or fruit that you can use to make one of his recipes.
    • This way, you’ll be remembering your dad while also keeping the memory of his delicious cooking alive.
  3. On your dad’s birthday, it can be a fun and comforting activity to look at some of your favorite photos of him. If you’re an artistic or crafty person, try using these photos to make a collage or scrapbook to honor your dad’s memory.
    • This is a great activity to do with your family members. As you look at the pictures, you can share your favorite memories of your dad and offer each other love and support.[5]
  4. On emotional occasions like your dad’s birthday, you may find it helpful to spend time with other people who knew and loved him.[6] Together, you can listen to his favorite music, eat his favorite foods, and share your favorite stories about him.
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About This Article

Seth Hall
Reviewed by:
Life Coach
This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. This article has been viewed 37,354 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 5, 2024
Views: 37,354
Categories: Family Birthdays
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,354 times.

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