Analysis: Obituaries

I looked at an obituary in the StarTribune.  It was by Tim Harrow and the person who died was James Lehman.

Mr. Lehman played for St. John's University football team as their running back. He is the father of Tom Lehman.

The reporter did use some sources. He talked to the coach of St. John's University football team, his son Tom and a lot of public documentations for his football record.

The lead was not a standard lead saying so and so died. Rather it was an anecdotal lead that told Lehman's football career and his past achievements as a football player. It was a really good lead because it kind of drew the reader in and made the reader see what Lehman is known for.

The lead worked very well for me. It definitely made me want to read more about Mr. Lehman.

This obituary definitely differs greatly from a resume. This obit told the story of a legend, so to speak, of football. The reporter told the story of Mr. Lehman very beautifully. It did not dwell on his career or his education but what his life was about.

It gave you a personal sense of who Lehman was and what he did. His story captures you. Unlike a resume where you have professional things you did.