Police seek owner of urn donated to thrift shop

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This article was published 04/05/2021 (1963 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG police are trying to move heaven and earth to reunite a family with their loved one.

Police sent out a public appeal on Tuesday for help in finding the rightful owners of a funeral urn.

Police spokesman Const. Jay Murray said the urn, a wooden box with four gold handles, was dropped off at a thrift store over the weekend.

There is a silver and black cross on the top of the box.

“The box is sealed,” said Murray. “We haven’t been able to open it so we’re not sure if it is remains or not.

“We hope to appeal to the public before opening it.”

Murray said they don’t know whether the urn was accidently dropped off at the thrift shop or if it was taken there by someone who was not the owner.

“We’re hopeful someone in Winnipeg can point us in the right direction.”

A spokesperson for the thrift store could not be reached for comment.

Kevin Sweryd, president of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association, and president of Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium, called the incident rare.

“I have only heard of a couple of similar situations over the last 30 years,” said Sweryd. “However, there are many ways cremated remains can end up in unexpected places and this should be considered by anyone wanting to keep cremated remains at home or within their possession.”

Sweryd said if police have to open it, there might be identifying information on the inside. Anyone with information about the urn is asked to call the police evidence control unit at 204-986-6280.

— Kevin Rollason