how to convey condolences

my friends father expired in japan on 2/1/10 , how do i convey my grief and condolences to him by e-mail

my friends father expired in japan on 2/1/10 , how do i convey my grief and condolences to him by e-mail

One option:

この度、ご愁傷様でした。
いろいろと大変だと思いますが、どうか頑張ってください。
私に何かお役に立てることがありましたら、何なり垂ｵつけてください。

konotabi goshuushoussama deshita.
iroiro to taihen dato omoimasuga, douka ganbattekudasai.
watashini nanika oyakunitateru koto ga arimashitara, nannari moushitsukete kudasai.

There's no one correct way to convey grief or condolences and often even Japanese people will have trouble finding the right words in these situations.

The above phrase is somewhat formal but formal in death-related situations is rarely inappropriate.