Trent & I got to know Don when Trent had Don as a spiritual advisor during the MAP program through Heartland. We were both on staff at Heartland for a time as newlyweds, and (as anyone who knows them would agree) Don & Glenda were phenomenal examples for how to love and pursue each other and God in marriage. Don is the reason we have regularly seen relationship therapists throughout our 20+ year marriage. "You get an annual check-up on your car," Don used to say. "Why wouldn't you put at least that much care into your marriage?" When we moved away from KC and started attending a different church, we called the pastor to schedule a therapy appointment. He's a friend, and he came to our house that night visibly guarded. He sat down in our living room and asked, "So what's going on with you?" We quickly explained that we had a wonderful marriage, but why wouldn't we do regular check-ups to ensure we weren't fostering blind spots? Our pastor blinked a bit as he sat back, then told us he was _so_ relieved and he was caught off-guard by how wise a perspective that was. Thank you, Don. We love you; we miss you; when I get to heaven I'll ask you if you could be any type of construction equipment, what would you be and why. And yes, we agree: it really is all about Jesus. Now & always.

Don was always an encourager and for me, going through a terrible divorce I needed encouragement. It was on a night when I was away from my kids, thinking about what my  life would be without them I was wandering around and wound up at a Bible study at Don & Glenda's. I didn't hear much of the study because of the over-whelming fear of spending my life alone and didn't join in the fellowship after the study but sat in the other room alone. It was when Don came in and asked me what was going on and put his arms around me that I completely broke. He comforted me with the love of Jesus and gave me hope. I left their house with the assurance of Christ's presence to  enable me through whatever life would bring to me. Don did that many times over with me and with so many hurting people whose life he touched at Walnut Creek Friends' church.

Sometimes God places people in your life that are such a loving example of Christ, that their imprint is sealed on your heart for a lifetime. Don, with sweet Glenda by his side, were those special people in my life. Don was my Youth for Christ director in my teen years in the turbulent 60’s. His prayers were personal and powerful, not only when my husband and I were just kids, but in the rocky years Steve was in Nam, following up with us as we raised our kids and recently when he prayed us through writing Steve’s memoir. I am certain we could not have finished it without his cheering us on from the sidelines in 2020. When my dad died in 1983, it was Don who said “you can call me Dad”, and from that day on, I did! His mentoring, strong faith, funny sense of humor were what I loved most about Don. Thank you Mardock family for sharing him with us! 

Recalling Memories — with Steve Williams, Marcia Pelot and Don Mardock

Glenda hugs — with Rosie Williams and Glenda Mardock

Photo Bombed — with Marcia Pelot, Don Mardock and Rosie Williams

That smile! — with Don Mardock

Forever Friends — with Don Mardock, Glenda Mardock and Steve and Rosie Williams

Tailgating Before The EPIC Royals' Wild Card Game! — with Dan Deeble, Matt Gazaway and Ryan Hoover

Glenda, what a beautiful family and life! 

Celebrating My 10 years of sobriety — with Don and Glenda

I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I was in the 9 th grade in Nampa Idaho in the late 60’s when I first met him

My youth pastor Terry Dirks also worked with Youth For Christ.  I was able to see Don numerous times through my high school years , mostly here in Nampa but once down at Disneyland while on a YFC trip and a retreat out in Oregon.I texted him about 5 years ago or so- we picked right up where we left off,  he remembered me.  Don was a huge influence with me finding the Lord 

  I look forward to seeing him again in heaven  

May God be with the family during this time and remember we all will be reunited someday.

Rick Johnson 

My heart is filled with gratitude for the investment Don made in my life. I will always be eternally grateful for his faithful prayers, his unwavering encouragement, and the way he consistently checked in on me, always pointing me toward the Lord.

It was an incredible honor to have a man of such integrity and wisdom in my life—one truly worthy of respect and emulation. His impact will not be forgotten, and his legacy of faithfulness will continue to inspire me.

Glenda:  Please know that I am praying for you and your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Don’s life was well-lived and that his faithfulness has left an indelible mark on so many, myself included.

With deepest sympathy,

Chris Majors 

Surprise visit — with Don Mardock

I am so sad to hear of Don’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of him and our time with YFC.  He was such an amazing person and a mentor to Bob. I know they are celebrating Jesus together in heaven and sharing so many stories.  I am honored to have known him.  He will be greatly missed. My condolences to all the family and to you, sweet Glenda. You were always an amazing role model to me.   With much love, Dee Ferro

My entree into vocational ministry was afforded me because of Don’s leadership.  He was Executive Director of Eastbay/Contra Costa County Youth For Christ. I had no idea at the time what God had in store for my wife and I when we joined the YFC staff.  But it was a seed to all we were able to accomplish. Thank you Don for being obedient to the call and mission of Christ.  Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Mardock family.  🙏🏾

Evan, Dad, Grandma Helen