In some way or another, most of us will be remembered in an event after we’re gone. A burial or scattering of ashes. Perhaps a religious ceremony. A gathering of friends and loved ones.
But what if there was no one to claim our remains and honor our life?
Every few years, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) hosts a unique memorial to ensure that every King County resident is remembered. Those who died without resources or family to claim their remains for a proper burial are looked after through the work of the county’s indigent remains program.
The next burial ceremony to remember these individuals is scheduled next Wednesday, October 5th at 1 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton (100 Blaine Ave NE).
This is a public event, and all are invited to remember the 278 people being recognized. The ceremony will include burial rites, prayers from clergy, a memorial plaque, music and memories shared by friends. The names of the individuals to be buried on October 5, 2016 are listed on our program’s website.
Our Medical Examiner’s office makes every effort to get in contact with families of the deceased and only places them in this program when all other options have been exhausted. If you are a family member of one of the individuals listed, and wish to bury their remains separately, please contact the KCMEO at 206-744-3232 extension 1.
UPDATE: Thanks to Barry Peterson from the King County Medical Examiner’s Officer for capturing the memorial service.