boss's family tragedy

[parker6221]

i just found out that the nephew of the president of my company committed suicide this morning.  he was only 11 years old.   while i don't report directly to this man, we have worked together on several projects and have a good working relationship.  i have immense respect for him, both personally and professionally. he will obviously be out for a few days dealing with this family tragedy.  there are about 70 employees. the company will send flowers or something to the funeral.  should i do something separately?  if so, what?

[Lisbeth]

Do you work directly for the president?

If you can get time off and the funeral is not private, you could attend the funeral.  You can also visit the family and write the president a letter of condolence of your own.

[kingsrings]

Whatever you feel comfortable doing for this man. If you want to sign the company sympathy card that will probably be passed around, then do that. If you also want to send your own sympathy card as well or just your own sympathy card and not the big group one, you can do that in addition. I wouldn't send flowers, though. The company is already doing so, and you don't want to overwhelm the man and his family right now.

[parker6221]

i work in one group and we have our own director who technically reports to the president.  however, since it is only 70 people, I have worked directly with him on a number of things. for example, i have worked with him on several projects that my director wasn't involved with.  i feel completely comfortable calling his cell or knocking on his office door if i need him/his guidance on something.  

[melodrama]

I would sign the company card/pitch in for flowers, then send a sympathy card of your own directly to your boss and his family.  If the rest of your office isn't going to any memorial service or funeral, then I don't think you should go either.  You don't want to look like you're using his tragedy to suck up. (I know that's not your intent, but others may view it that way)

[Cattaby]

Due to the nature of the death, your boss might not feel comfortable with big public displays of sympathy (e.g. a big bunch of flowers sitting on his desk). He may want to keep it quiet, so a card expressing your sympathies, or something sent to his family home would probably be in order. Otherwise, you should do whatever you're comfortable in doing, so long as he remains as comfortable as he can be in this situation.

[WildChild@Heart]

I think that a personal card of condolences to him and his family would be completely appropriate.