Urn for Woodworking Neighbor

The first project on the new workbench has been a sad one.  My next door neighbor passed away 3 weeks ago, after a short battle with brain cancer.  Pat was one of those people who are a credit to mankind, a fine woodworker and great neighbor; he will be missed by all who knew him.  

His widow asked me to make an appropriate urn for the ashes.  I saw what the funeral homes provide and they don't measure up.

I kept it as a simple walnut box, with hand cut dovetails, however, it seemed to need a little accent of some sort.  I came up with a simple molding of curly maple to contrast with the dark walnut.    M original intent was to inlay an oval of nickel-silver into the top, and engrave his initials. I got the oval made, but my engraving skills were not up to the task and it went into the trash. 

 M original intent was to inlay an oval of nickel-silver into the top, and engrave his initials. I got the oval made, but my engraving skills were not up to the task and it went into the trash.   Thankfully, I had decided to successfully complete the engraving before cutting the recess for the oval

The finish is 5 coats of varnish, wet sanded to 1000 grit, followed by 0000 steel wool.  This was topped off with a coat of Varathane finishing wax and buffed.  

The hardest part will be taking it next door.

Pat, I hope you like it.