Richard Branson recently shared how he and his family commemorated the life of his late wife, Joan Templeman. The founder of Virgin Group announced her passing in November, describing her as his “best friend” and “guiding light” after 50 years together.

In a heartfelt message on his company’s website, the 75-year-old entrepreneur expressed his belief in honoring people both in life and after they have passed. He recounted holding a celebration of her life on Necker Island, which serves as the Branson family home and is closely linked to the Virgin brand. Branson shared that he finds conventional funerals and cremations to be “rather impersonal” and often challenging for children, favoring instead a location that held personal significance for the deceased.

He reflected, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Necker Island. When my parents passed away, we celebrated their lives there by planting trees on the island’s far side, where we also scattered their ashes.”

Branson added, “Those trees have grown to be strong and beautiful over the years, serving as living reminders that life goes on.”

To honor Joan’s memory, Branson shared that they held a lovely procession around the island, with everyone dressed in white. They were joined by their dedicated British Virgin Islands team, both past and present.

“Sam and Isabella sang some beautiful songs, Holly spoke so movingly, and our five grandchildren read a touching poem for their beloved Granny Amma.

“We closed the service with everyone singing Lean on Me. It was simple, heartfelt, and truly beautiful.”

To close the ceremony, Branson said: “I shared a few stories from our fifty year love story, including how I once took Joan to Necker all those years ago in an effort to impress her. Without that adventure, none of us would have been standing there that day.

Afterwards, we all went back down to the beach to toast Joan and share more magical stories of her life.”

Necker Island is situated in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and was bought by Branson in 1978 for $180,000.

Describing his first visit to the island with Joan, Branson recalled: “I fell in love twice that weekend – once as our helicopter (supplied by the realtor of course!) swooped over the turquoise water and white sandy beaches of Necker Island, and again when I saw the smile on the face of the beautiful girl who sat beside me on the journey.

“Together we strolled around the Island and dreamed up plans for turning it into a haven for musicians.”