How I got started making coffins, and why I continue

Back in 1995 I was working for a western furniture maker in Cody,Wyoming. They
specialized in high-end Cody style furniture; mostly reproductions of the beautiful and
distinctive furniture designs of Thomas Molesworth from the 1930's and 40's.

One day as I was working on a buffet, the shop foreman came in and told me to put the
project aside for now-"the boss wants you to build a coffin for his uncle", he said.
The foreman got some general dimensions from the local undertaker, and I went
to work.

Over the next few days, as the coffin was taking shape, various family members stopped
by to see how the project was coming along. As the simple box neared completion, all
agreed that we should do something more to make it truly unique and personal.

After some discussion it was decided to carve the family crest and brands on the coffin. A
set of old-fashioned brass handles completed the look, and someone brought a colorful
mexican blanket to line the bottom.

Personalizing the coffin had become a family project. They were drawn
together to take part in commemorating a loved one in a simple and unique way. It
wasn't planned, it just happened naturally and spontaneously. . I felt privileged to play a
part.

After the funeral, several of the family and friends of the deceased came by the shop to
say how much they appreciated the coffin. It was a fitting tribute to 'C'..
A regular casket just wouldn't have been the same. "You should build coffins for other
people", someone said.

That was the origin of the idea for a new coffin company, but the real motivation to
pursue it came from observing the positive effect this activity had on the family
members involved. In a time of loss it gave them something they could do that was
meaningful for them, a way to truly commemorate the life of their uncle.

Their input had transformed the simple box into a personal tribute. It was genuine
because it was from them personally.