In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath.

Ceremonial praise runs under different rules than ordinary speech. Tributes, references, farewell speeches and obituaries are expected to be generous rather than exact, and everyone present understands the convention even when nobody says so. Trouble comes when someone takes such words as a factual account, or when the person being praised starts to believe the version. Kindness at a graveside is not evidence.

When you next hear glowing words about someone, note the setting before you update your view. And when you write them, be as generous as the occasion calls for while keeping a private record of what you actually think.