About

Nick Gonzalez began creating wooden urns in the time between two significant losses in his family. He and his pregnant wife, Katie, lost their sixteen-week-old baby, Elena, in July of 2022. Their experience with the funeral home was gentle and compassionate; it left a strong impression about the meaningful and sacred work of caring for people’s loved ones who have departed. In the time that the family spent talking and making arrangements with the funeral director, Katie’s dad happened to bring up Nick’s experience as a woodworking artisan. He was a proud father-in-law and recognized how Nick’s care for others and careful craftsmanship might come together in a unique way. A connection was made, and soon after Nick began making wooden urns for the funeral home.

Little did they know that just six months later, Nick would be called to construct an especially significant urn for another member of the family. Katie’s dad, David, passed suddenly and unexpectedly in January of 2023. Nick and Katie’s brother selected a special piece of Texas walnut with tones of purple, red, and gold, and in making this particular urn Nick further refined his entire process. At David’s memorial, a gathering of close family and friends each took turns laying hands on this special vessel housing his remains before it was placed in the burial niche.

Since then, Nick has found fulfillment in continuing this work and growing his small business in Elena and David’s memories. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive - customers appreciate the beauty of the wood and simplicity of the design, and they love working with Nick. He hopes that those who choose his urns take comfort in knowing that each was carefully crafted with respect for the life it serves to honor.