Mark G. Campbell

Mark Gerald Campbell, 77, of Grand Rapids, MI, died on February 7 in Ada, MI. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, philanthropist, and community leader. His is a void that can never be filled, but he has touched so many through his life that he leaves an army of family, friends, and associates who are strengthened by his leadership to carry on his legacy. He left the world a better place than he found it.

Born in Detroit in 1948 to Gerald and Peggy Campbell as the eldest of their three children, he survived polio as a child and overcame dyslexia at a time when the condition was widely misunderstood. From his father he learned a tireless work ethic which served him well in every job he has held – from delivering the Detroit Free Press and laying asphalt to treating cancer patients. Mark earned degrees in both art and chemistry from Michigan State University and went on to study medicine at Wayne State University. Later in life he received a Master's degree in Health Care Administration from University of Colorado and a Master's in Theological Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (now Cornerstone Seminary).

While at Michigan State, Mark met and married Martha, the love of his life. He was drawn to her compassion and maternal instinct from when they first met and was so grateful for the years she spent working him through medical school and raising their children. He cared for her through long recuperation following a car accident in 1982 with unflagging devotion. They loved to travel with her: cross-country road trips, skiing, spending summers watching the sunsets over Lake Michigan, or visiting the Holy Land walking in Jesus' footprints. He looked forward to seeing the Lord, but leaving her was his biggest regret.

Mark was rarely seen without a book and a highlighter; on topics ranging from management and business to theology and politics, he never stopped learning. He could easily have made careers out of his many side interests: real estate development, architecture, art and cartooning, car sales, or Christian ministry. But his many patients are grateful he dedicated his life to medicine, which allowed him to use his skills for treating the whole person and his incisive medical judgement to extend and save thousands of lives.

Mark served as an oncologist in Grand Rapids for over 40 years, co-founding Cancer and Hematology Centers of West Michigan as well as establishing clinics to serve other cities in the state including Holland and Muskegon. Mark believed firmly in recruiting top talent and investing in West Michigan's medical infrastructure so that those who didn't have the ability to travel to places like Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson could have access to world-class care close to home. He was proud to help bring the largest stage-1 clinical trial center in the country to Grand Rapids to make cutting-edge treatments available locally. His desire to minister to his patients led to his studies in theology so that he would be better prepared to counsel them as they faced illness or death.

A lifetime car lover, Mark helped establish the My Auto Group family of car and motorcycle dealerships with partner Red Betten. Their influence can be seen in the Christian principles which are the foundation of My Auto's management and customer service. His patriotism ran deep and – with the installation of a 4000 square foot American flag at My Auto's newest building – it also flew high.

Mark was passionate about education and creating opportunities for those who didn't have access to it. He was a strong supporter of Potter's House, a Christian school for the underserved in Grand Rapids, and was an engaged mentor. He served on the board of Cornerstone University and was a particular advocate for their scholarship programs and initiatives to bring a Christian education within reach of non-traditional students. He was proud of My Auto's program to apprentice and train new service staff, opening the doors of employment for many. He served on the board of Haven Ministries, helping Christian radio to spread the Gospel to those who haven't heard it, and loved finding opportunities to support new churches.

Mark's greatest passion is Jesus. Every day for him, in all aspects of his life. And that's where the rubber hits the road.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Martha, Mark is survived by his children Carrie Severino (Roger) and Scott Campbell (Heidi), and nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Thomas, Lucia, Winston, Joseph, Georgia, Leo, Victoria, and Marta. His parents and siblings Christopher and Pamella predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held at Cornerstone University's Christ Chapel on February 19 at 11:00 am, followed by a time to visit with the family and share Dr. Campbell's favorite Robinette's donuts from noon to 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Seminary's Joe Crawford and James Greer Scholarships, The Potter's House, or Grace Alone Bible Church.