Glass blower has mother’s ashes stolen

A Manitoba glass blower had his truck vandalized and some of his pieces smashed, but one item was stolen that was of particular significance.

When Glass blower Chris Loutit saw his truck window smashed in the exchange district he didn’t bat an eye.

“It’s probably about the sixth time I’ve been broken into in my life, at that point you roll with the punches and I laughed honestly,” he explained.

Manitoba glass blower Chris Loutit says piece with mother’s ashes was stolen. (Photo Credit: Mike Albanese)

That laughter subsided when he noticed that some of his pieces were missing and smashed. With one extra special item made with his mother’s ashes missing.

“It was for my cousin Olivia. She’s in Fort MacMurray, Alberta. My sister lives there now and I was going to send it back with her after Christmas,” he said. “It’s healing for them, it’s not meant for someone else, it’s meant for my family.”

Loutit has been making these pieces for family members who want to hang on to a memory of his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2021.

“Losing mom to cancer was pretty hard. She was a very independent woman. To lose her independence was pretty tough to see – you could see that hurt her spirit when she wasn’t able to walk or talk or do things for herself.”

The stolen piece containing the ashes is nearly identical to this marble (pictured below) with a flower meticulously crafted inside.

Manitoba glass blower Chris Loutit says piece with mother’s ashes was stolen. (Photo Credit: Mike Albanese)

“A very infectious energy. A lot of people loved her, I was lucky enough to have her for 36 years. I’m very fortunate because a lot of people don’t get that.”

Despite the theft, Loutit is staying positive – and is asking for anyone who may now have that stolen piece, to reach out through his Instagram, and return it.

“Somebody in the family would be happy to take that piece on.”

Manitoba glass blower Chris Loutit says piece with mother’s ashes was stolen. (Photo Credit: Mike Albanese)