Lost ring returned after nearly 30 years

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This article was published 4/12/2014 (2040 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BITES FOR BREAKFAST... Ever lost anything with sentimental value -- searched everywhere you could think of -- then given up hope of ever finding it? Not an uncommon story. But this is.

Rob Stanger was fresh out of university 28 years ago when he lost something precious and gave up hope of ever finding it. What he lost was the birthstone ring his parents gave him -- inscribed with his name and the name of his school, Brandon University -- when he graduated in 1986.

Last month, on his 52nd birthday, the Winnipeg elementary school phys-ed teacher received a phone call. Someone had returned the ring to the university. The ring arrived in an envelope with a message, "I hope you can find the rightful owner of this item: Good Luck!"

Someone at the university made the effort to track down Rob through their records.

"It's just bizarre to have it returned to me 28 years later," Rob said Wednesday.

His mother recalls Rob losing the ring within a couple of months of she and her late husband giving it to him, and how upset he was when he couldn't find it.

"You hear about these stories," Rob said Wednesday, "And you just never think they're going to happen to you."

"I'm very happy to have it back, and my mum sure was, too."

But there's more to the story.

There was a return address on the envelope, but no name.

"Actually, it was a Winnipeg address, not a Brandon address. So that ring has travelled around a little bit."

Naturally, Rob wanted to thank whomever returned it and learn where they had found it. So Rob said the university wrote back to the return address and forwarded his address.

"There's a bit more story to be written here," he said.

"I'm hoping they'll contact me. I don't know if I ever will (contact them). I don't want to put pressure on them. I'm just happy to get the ring back."

Even if it doesn't quite fit the way it used to.

"I might have to get it sized," he said, laughing. "I could get it on, but I don't think I could get it off."

There's something to be learned from the story of Rob and the return -- on his birthday of all days -- of his long-lost birthstone ring.

No matter what you've lost, never lose hope.

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SUCCESS, SWEET, SUCCESS... Segovia, the acclaimed Osborne Village tapas bar and restaurant, celebrated its fifth birthday Tuesday night by throwing a party for family, friends and regular customers who feel as if they're both. Spotted among the guests was burly, bearded Liam Martin, the now relaxed and happy-looking former chief of staff for embattled Premier Greg Selinger. But Martin couldn't have looked any happier than Segovia owners Adam Donnelly and his wife, Carolina Konrad.

It was Carolina who posted a Facebook message the day before Segovia's anniversary thanking her parents, their staff and, of course, their loyal customers for their support.

"And," Carolina added, "a tiny but important thank you to our wee daughter, Ausette. Thank you for bringing us back to Earth from Planet Food. The scales were a little off before you came along. Thank you for bringing a little more balance into our world."

Carolina added a teaser as a closer: "Looking forward to our next adventure. Stay tuned!"

The new adventure is a new eatery Adam, Carolina and other family members hope to open by early spring in the Exchange. It's a basement location, at 123 Princess St., behind the King's Head Pub. They'll have a bakery and a bar, and will start by doing breakfasts and lunches.

Adam says they haven't decided on a name, yet. No one asked me, but here's a suggestion that seems as perfect as their little girl.

How does "Ausette" sound?

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TAKE A BOW, BUD... Happy to hear the City of Minneapolis is renaming a street leading to its new football stadium after legendary former Minnesota Vikings and Blue Bombers coach Bud Grant. Now if they'd just erect a statue in his honour, like we did.

gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca