'Dead' father turns up on TV - five years after family thought they had cremated him

News Type: Event — Seeded on Fri Sep 5, 2008 9:34 AM EDT

Article Source: the Mail online

odd-news, cremated, john-renehan, dead-father-turns-up-on-tv

There was something hauntingly familiar about the face John Renehan saw on television.

He was certain that it was his father, who had officially been found dead and was cremated five years ago.

Yet there before his eyes on the screen was his father, in a care home and the subject of an appeal on a show about missing people for anyone who knew him to come forward.

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ShaunV's Column, All of Newsvine
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Regions: London

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6.5

{"commentId":2770882,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

ShaunV

After a badly decomposed body was found in the grounds of Manchester Royal Infirmary in January 2003 wearing similar clothes and with similar old wounds, police said it was Mr Delaney without carrying out DNA tests.

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2 votes

#1 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 9:35 AM EDT

{"commentId":2771276,"authorDomain":"chum"}

Chum

What a strange situation. I can't imagine it. But I wouldn't recognize my father anyway (not sure if he's alive or not). I last saw/communicated with him in 1979 I think. He chose to take a path without us (his wife and 6 kids).

{"commentId":2771276,"threadId":"349981","contentId":"1830184","authorDomain":"chum"}

2 votes

#2 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 10:02 AM EDT

{"commentId":2771348,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

ShaunV

I am sorry to hear that, chum

I don't understand how a Dad can abandon his kids, but it does happen a lot.

I know that has to hurt.

{"commentId":2771348,"threadId":"349981","contentId":"1830184","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

2 votes

#2.1 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 10:06 AM EDT

{"commentId":2771470,"authorDomain":"chum"}

Chum

Therapy helps! ;-)

I wonder how the father in this story ended up homeless. It sounds like his family cared about him. Actually, I have a sister who continually makes decisions that throw her into bad situations. I can see how it would happen.

{"commentId":2771470,"threadId":"349981","contentId":"1830184","authorDomain":"chum"}

2 votes

#2.2 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 10:14 AM EDT

{"commentId":2772646,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

ShaunV

I wonder how the father in this story ended up homeless.

Chum:

My initial career choice was psychiatrist. I also worked in a program that helped people acquire life skills that would enable them to function better in society.

What that taught me was that many many homeless people are homeless because of psychological issues.

It's complex, but some homeless people, believe it or not have enough money to not be homeless, but are simply not mentally able to manage their finances. Some are not even aware they have savings or monetary benefits available to them.

Others have drug or alcohol problems coinciding with psychological issues.

Homelessness is a complex issue when one digs below the facade.

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2 votes

#2.3 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 11:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":2791073,"authorDomain":"caroleroach"}

Carole R

What a shock that must have been for the family. Thank you for the seed Shaun.

{"commentId":2791073,"threadId":"349981","contentId":"1830184","authorDomain":"caroleroach"}

2 votes

#3 - Sat Sep 6, 2008 12:21 AM EDT

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SHAUNV

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'Dead' father turns up on TV - five years after family thought they had cremated him

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