Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

It is with deep sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Craig Mattson, principal of Northwest Christian School, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following a sudden medical event.

Craig Mattson was a devoted educator, a committed leader, and a man of deep faith. He served as principal of Northwest Christian School from 2012 to 2017, before being called to serve as Vice President for Education for Washington Conference from 2017 to 2022. In 2022, he returned to full-time service as principal at Northwest Christian School—a role he loved and where he continued to make a lasting impact until his passing.

Earlier in his career, Craig also served as principal and teacher for 9th and 10th grade at Tulsa Adventist Academy in Oklahoma, where he led both in the classroom and through school-wide leadership.

Craig was deeply loved by the Northwest Christian School community and was a special person in the Adventist education community—not only in Washington state, but throughout the North Pacific Union and beyond. His passion for Adventist education, his steady guidance, and his Christ-centered vision continue to inspire all who were privileged to serve alongside him.

Craig is survived by his wife, Lizzette, their two teenage daughters, Emma and Nicole, his brother, Ryan, and his mother, Linda. We lift them up in prayer during this season of heartbreaking loss, asking for the comfort and peace of God to surround them.

He will be greatly missed by our school and church community in Washington Conference and by many more across the wider Adventist education family.

We join the Northwest Christian School community in mourning this tremendous loss. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

We will share additional details about memorial arrangements and opportunities to support the Mattson family as they become available.

—Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists