When Mark Blue became the executive secretary of the Northern California Conference in February 2006, he freely shared the various highlights of his life’s journey. He told the story of how getting positive responses as a primary Sabbath school teacher led him to a career in education. He spoke about his wife Christy, and emphasized how they would be celebrating their 32nd anniversary in August 2006. Blue also talked about his two adult children, Mark Christopher and Noelle Alyison. He recounted how he was the second oldest of six children, and how that had impacted his education. He talked about his goals for his new administrative position.

Through all of the personal stories he shared, he displayed his love for Christ and his passion for the Lord’s work. “He was a very compassionate man,” said Rick Nelson, principal of the Chico Oaks Adventist School, who worked with Blue. “I went through a tough time at school and he helped me a lot. He had a very steady influence and was always able to smile and laugh.”

On May 22, Blue passed away due to complications from cancer. Blue truly believed in his walk with the Lord, and his life exemplified his love for God and his excitement in letting more people know about this great love. It is this enthusiasm that Blue applied to all of his work for the Lord. Blue began at the Northern California Conference in 1999 in the education department as an associate superintendent of elementary education. “Mark was a man of God, who loved to say ‘God is good – all the time,’” said Berit von Pohle, NCC education superintendent. “Mark genuinely loved people, and this was never more evident than when he was in a classroom with students and teachers. He was highly regarded as a mentor and friend. He was an educator by profession and in his heart.”

Blue was always quick to admit that his family and friends were an important support to his ministry, while God was his source of spiritual strength. It was this strength that helped Mark face his toughest battle. Throughout his ordeal with cancer, Mark’s steadfast faith and trust in God showed through, as it had in his work. “His passion and energy for the Lord came through in every conversation, every task and every day working with him,” said NCC President Jim Pedersen. “This loss will be intensely felt by the many students, teachers, office personnel and pastors who had the honor of working with him.”

The family held a memorial service for Blue on Sabbath, May 26, at the Pleasant Hill church. Blue’s biological family and office family paid tribute through songs, prayer, special videos and shared memories. Noelle Blue, with the support of her brother and sister-in-law, spoke about her father’s life. Ricardo Graham, Pacific Union executive secretary and former NCC president, gave the invocation. Ronald Lindsey, Hawaii Conference treasurer, also offered a prayer. Pedersen gave both the homily and the eulogy. Many other family and friends spoke about the difference Blue had made in their lives. “He was one of the most kind and compassionate Christian men I knew,” said John Rasmussen, NCC treasurer. “He was always positive when dealing with the many administrative duties of the NCC.”

Blue’s legacy will be his devotion to and intense passion for spreading the message of God’s love to the students, teachers, schools and churches he came into contact with in his almost 35 years in the ministry. While his earthly journey may have come to an end, Blue’s love for family, his passion for Christ, and his enthusiasm for ministry will continue on in the lives of those he affected. And one day, that long-awaited moment will occur when Mark will awaken again to the Lord calling him home.

“There are many, many special people in God's great family. Mark Blue was one of them,” said Graham. “His infectious smile, his superlative commitment to God and his ability to embrace all people made him a stand out among God's people throughout much of the Pacific Union. He touched the lives of many with the love of God. Indeed, I look forward to unhurried conversations with Mark and all of the redeemed when Jesus wakes the sleeping saints and we live together in the earth made new for eternity.”