Unique urns: Creativity is endless

I have always liked the Disney quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” That’s pretty much where we are now when it comes to unique urns and scattering choices. No longer are loved ones limited to a handful of options that look basically the same. Creativity has skyrocketed, making the choices nearly endless.

For a moment, think outside the box… or outside the vase-shaped metallic container. Urns can be almost any shape you can think of these days. I have recently seen specialty urns shaped like cowboy boots, football helmets, a ’57 Chevy, guitars, a martini glass and many more.

Dignified, respectful options include a triangle-shaped flag case that is mounted on top of a pedestal urn, special hardwood

boxes that are engraved, and shadow-box glass containers that can hold cremains as well as photos, military “dog tags,” mementos or any other small objects that hold special significance.

For families who prefer a more lighthearted celebration of a live lived to the fullest, one of the most extreme examples I have seen is the “Loved One Launcher,” a hand-held, ash- and confetti-scattering air cannon.

Of course, there are plenty of low-key ways to scatter ashes, especially when the remembrance involves large bodies of water. Pillow-shaped unique urns made of recycled cardboard and sustainable paper gently float remains away before gradually sinking and dissolving. They can also be put in shapes carved from blocks of salt that dissolve in water after several hours.

Remains can be mixed into concrete, clay and other more permanent materials and molded into an infinite number of shapes. You will often see them in benches or “cremorial” man-made rocks at cemeteries and memory gardens, but they can also become things like birdbaths, monuments and beautiful sculptures.

Bottom line: What you and your family decide to do with a loved one’s cremated remains is limited only by your imagination. For your convenience, we have lots of choices available through Best Cremation and our knowledgeable staff is always willing to help you. Contact us for assistance.

Best Cremation Care provides affordable cremation services throughout the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland / Alameda, and San Jose / Santa Clara) and Southern California (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County). We are a licensed funeral establishment and have an A+rating from the Better Business Bureau.

About David Finch

David Finch is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Crematory Manager and Funeral Insurance Consultant in the State of California with 30 years experience. Other professional accomplishments include Founding the Professional Fellowship of Hospice Chaplains, managing a public cemetery, volunteering as a Sheriff's Chaplain, Board Member of the Orange Belt Funeral Director's Association, consulting with the State of California as Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Exam, and has the privilege of overseeing the tutelage of many great apprentice embalmers. David has overseen the Southern California operations of Best Cremation Care since January of 2015 and has enjoyed seeing the company grow and client families receive compassion and a great value during what can be a difficult time in their lives.