Proper response to grief/news of a relative's death?

I think you should just say what you honestly feel. If a person won't accept it, maybe they're just upset and don't want to talk about the situation. There really isn't a right or wrong way to say something. It would only be wrong if you said it in a rude way. If you said something nice and concerning to them and their response was perhaps a rude and/or careless one, don't take it personally. Maybe they just need time to deal with things. Everyone responds to things in their own way. Don't worry about it :) you shouldn't need advice on how to talk to a person. Just go with what you're feeling. Good luck :)