The cross-shaped urn in the church for the funeral service

The urn was built in the shape of a cross by Flemming’s son Mike. Mike had come from Toronto for Thanksgiving and had not expected to be constructing a funerary urn on his holiday. Thanks to Bill Nauss, a friend who also happens to be a friend of Flemming’s brother John, and has a woodworking shop, he had the tools and materials to do the job. Bill and his wife Lorna were very helpful during the construction of the urn – as they always are when Dorcas and Mike visit.

Mike Holm carrying his father's urn into the cemetery. D. Robinson photo

The urn was made out of pine and mahogany, with a pressure-fitted top.

At the burial, we passed it around the circle so that everyone could carry Flemming in death a little way, feel the weight of his ashes and say a last good-bye. It was a profound moment for many. When the urn returned to Mike, I could feel the circle closed, complete.

Looking at the urn before the burial ceremony. D. Robinson photo.

The urn was crowned with sweetgrass and adorned with a beaded dreamcatcher by Flemming’s nephew Dan and his son before it was laid in the grave.

Just at the hour that he died, a friend had a dream about Flemming passing in a wave through a keyhole shaped like a cross. When she entered the church and saw the urn, she was amazed, because it had the same shape as the cross in her dream.

Funeral with audio & texts | Funerary Urn | Obituary | Eulogy | Ode | Burial | View all posts pertaining to his death and funeral