Bruce Conley Memorial Walk set for Saturday in Elburn

It has been a year since Bruce Conley's death, but his legacy lives on through Conley Outreach Community Services.

The organization will hold a unique event to honor its founder's legacy, and to help ease the grieving process for anyone who has suffered a loss.

The first Bruce Conley Memorial Walk and will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Conley Farm in Elburn.

“This event will help attendees to reflect on their own loved ones and Bruce in the almost 10 acres of land that was beautifully landscaped on by volunteers,” said Carol Elfrey, executive director of Conley Outreach Community Services.

Bruce Conley, who served as a funeral director in Elburn for four decades, died at 60 of liver cancer, but is remembered for his work helping grieving adults and children in all facets of community life.

Registrants are invited to walk the farm's perimeter path to honor Bruce's legacy of compassion and service. The walk will include stops along the way with short writings describing the surroundings and reflecting on the journey of healing.

“Short writings can include anything from a favorite memory of Bruce to some of his poems that he wrote,” said Elfrey.

Attendees can begin their walk whenever they arrive and continue on the marked route at their own pace until 7 p.m. The evening will culminate at 7 p.m. with Conley's favorite remembrance program, Grieving Fire/Healing Rain that was used many times to help in the grieving process.

Grieving Fire/Healing Rain uses the elements of fire and water to help understand grief and the recovery process.

The program will include a light supper, bonfire and a special floating candle ceremony.

Participants are asked to bring a letter to their loved one for the bonfire. The letters will then be placed in the fire to symbolize the grieving process being released.

Afterward, the candles will be set in the farm's creek to symbolize the grieving journey.

“The bonfire and candle ceremony is special because this is where Bruce would set these ceremonies up to help others with their loved ones,” Elfrey said. “The ceremony is optional, but pen and paper will be provided.”

Registration is $15 per person, with a maximum of $30 per household. All proceeds will benefit Conley Outreach Community Services' grief programs.

To register, call Conley Outreach at (630) 365-2880 or visit www.conleyoutreach.org.

Conley Farm is west of Kaneville at the southwest corner of Dauberman and Main Street roads. The MapQuest address is 47W085 Main Street Road, Elburn, IL 60119.