Casket building

[busenitzcww]

I've built a lot of various project for customers over the years, but my 95 year old grandpa passed away this last friday(which wasn't unexpected) and the family asked if I would head up building a casket. We had 24 hours to get it done, so I went online and found some plans that night, and then we got started the following morning. 12 hours later we wrapped it up and got ready to take it to the mortuary. One of my uncles was a shop teacher for a couple years and fairly experienced, and several cousins jumped in to help as well. It would have been neat to use wood milled off of my dads ground which my grandpa bought for him when my dad got married, but I didn't have anything planed and we were crouched for time. We ended up using some cherry and walnut I had on hand already. It came together a lot better/quicker than I thought it would, and am so glad we were able to honor my grandpa one last time. He was a very simple man having lived through the Great Depression, and probably would have balked at all the work we put into it, but I'm glad we did it 
We were able to take a 4 generation picture on Father's Day which is the last photo of him alive.
anyway!

 

 

 

   

[WV Sawmiller]

   Sorry for your loss. Great looking piece and a fitting memorial and way to honor your grandfather.

[Don P]

I've done something similar for a friend. I called mutual friends and it is a special thing to work together to honor an old friend one last time. Well done 

[doc henderson]

That is a neat idea and glad you were able o pull it off in a family fashion.  sorry for you loss, but looks like he did well till the end and at age 95 that is something.  Best Regards.  will have to meet sometime since we are relative neighbors.

[Walnut Beast]

Glad you got some fond memories with him. Great job on the casket. Very nice and special. I have a friend that made a nice live edge urn in a hurry for his wife's mom that passed away. They were all amazed, emotional and the funeral director was really impressed. 

[samandothers]

Sorry for your loss of your grandfather.  

You and your family members did a great job.  What a way to honor him.  

[gspren]

 I'm sure he's proud of all of you!

[Roxie]

What a wonderful tribute to your grandpa. The picture is priceless. 

Before Cowboy Bob passed, he had selected his coffin that was Amish made. It was birch with a deep blue stain and was beautiful.

My deepest condolences for your loss. 

[Bruno of NH]

Sorry for your loss
Beautiful job and craftsmanship. 

[Ron Scott]

Well done!

[dgdrls]

Prayers and condolences on the loss of your Grandfather,
A wonderful honor you and your family extended in his memory.
I too have a four generation photo,  you'll cherish it more and more as the years pass,

D

[busenitzcww]

Thanks guys, I'm sure this will be something I remember him by. Yeah Doc it'd be fun to connect sometime! I want to do an open house sometime but not sure now is the time to do it lol

[Jeff]

It was a wonderful life that must have inspired such a wonderful gift, and honestly I think the biggest gift was to yourself.  You did this and its awesome.

[petefrom bearswamp]

Sounds like a life well lived.
What a privilege for you folks to build that casket.
I'm sure he is looking down and is very proud.
I love that generational photo

[low_48]

I love 4 generation photos. Sorry for your loss. 

[scsmith42]

Well done sir.  

[hackberry jake]

Great craftsmanship!