Many of you knew my wife Jill Worden. She was a wonderful person and a glorious spirit. Jill died on July 16, 2024, after 20 years of breast cancer, eight years metastatic. Even through those challenges, Jill didn’t let things slow her down much.

One of her favorite places is Lake Bluff Farm north of Manistee, Michigan. Many people don’t realize that giant sequoia trees grow there. Jill loved the sequoias in California, and she loved visiting the ones in Michigan. While considering ways to honor Jill in remembrance, I thought a memorial bench at Lake Bluff Farm would be the perfect choice.

Lake Bluff Farm is a non-profit conservancy on the former Audubon property. It’s on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and has a wide variety of trees, several of them Michigan champions.

On approaching them about a memorial bench, it turns out they have a pressing need to replace some rotted out picnic tables. They are situated right on the bluff. They are used for educational programs and for visitors to use. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic.

In consultation with them, I want to replace the tables with something extremely durable and long-lasting. Thermoclad steel is what we agreed on.

I will also select a durable memorial bench and possibly an inscribed boulder.

This fundraiser is because many friends have asked for a way to contribute to a memorial for Jill. The scale grew once the need for replacement tables was identified. Jill would want me to step up and help meet that need.

If you are in the Manistee area, please stop and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Lake Bluff Farm, just north of Orchard Beach State Park along the lakeshore. In the near future, there should be a bench for you to rest and soak it in.

Thank you for remembering Jill.