But he doesn’t think it was a malicious act. A pair of his jeans and a baseball were also taken from the Jeep, which has a soft top. Archer said a disability keeps him from being able to fasten the cover, so he left it open.

Archer and the police immediately began looking for the box of remains. They searched every bush, on rooftops, in abandoned houses, he said. Archer continues to check the yard every day and neighbors come by to say they’re also looking.

On Tuesday, the family held a memorial service at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. An internment had also been set to take place.

“That was very hard,” Archer said. “We both have a plot together. If her remains aren’t buried, our plans for spending our eternity together, it’s just going to be me in our joint grave.”

Trish, who was 33, died unexpectedly at home, he said. An autopsy revealed no known cause of death. The family is awaiting the results of a toxicology report.

“She was the most warm, caring individual I’ve had the privilege to meet,” Archer said. “Just to have her as a part of my life was just the most incredible thing I’ve experienced.”