Dedicating PhD thesis to my Dad who recently passed away
I had a dedication page in my PhD thesis, to my recently deceased grandparents. I kept it short, with a line that basically translates to:
&quot;To my grandparents, in loving memory.&quot;
The things you suggest to include and to reference will make it more personal, and more appropriate for you. And that is all that matters: write it such that it represents well how you feel.