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On April 13, family, friends, and church members packed Downsview Adventist church to honour the life of Pastor Vincent Lue, a beloved Seventh-day Adventist minister who left an indelible mark on lives across Canada.

In a unique eulogy, a series of videos presented Pastor Lue's life and ministry. Born in 1950, Lue's life was shaped by the early death of his father. God used the tragedy to instill in him resilience, compassion, and a quiet strength to guide Vincent throughout his life.

After immigrating to Canada, Lue worked at General Motors and played music with reggae bands across the city. A book, The Great Controversy, changed his life and led him to give his heart to Jesus. His conviction to honour the Sabbath eventually cost him his job, but his steadfastness to his faith also led to landmark legal protections for Sabbath-keepers nationwide.

Responding to a call to ministry, Lue studied theology at Oakwood University and later Burman University in Alberta. In Alberta, Lue ministered to Indigenous communities and helped establish an Adventist congregation. He graduated with degrees in theology and social work. Later, he would juggle family life, working night shifts as a security guard while pursuing a master's degree at the University of Toronto. Eventually, Lue would obtain a doctorate in leadership from Andrews University.

Pastor Lue's early ministry began at Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served as head elder and later as a chaplain at Crawford Adventist Academy. As a pastor, he led several congregations, including Perth Avenue, Orillia, Midland, Bethel, and Shiloh. He helped launch Parkdale Church and AIM Fellowship. In later years, he returned north to serve the Bracebridge, Parry Sound, and Orillia churches.

Pastor Jakov Bibulović, Ontario Conference president, paid tribute. "His life was a shining example of dedication, humility and unwavering commitment to the family ministry and the congregations he served." Other tributes from family, friends, and former members included a heartfelt remembrance from cousin Paul LueCall, who recalled their childhood days in rural Jamaica and Lue's early love for music and faith. "Vincent was the man," he said, "even back then, we knew something was different about him." All of the tributes had a common theme of a man who loved God, had a deep sense of service, loved to visit, comfort, and make a difference in people's lives.

Retired Pastor Wayne Martin, a close friend, gave the homily. He remarked about the many achievements and innovations Pastor Lue had accomplished in his life, which he kept to himself. "That is ministry at its highest level," he said. "Ministry in its greatest form is to do God's work without bragging about your achievements. More good would be done in this world if we followed Vincent's path, did the work, and did not seek the accolades. Vincent knew the value of humility; as I always say, humility is not weakness. It's power under control."

Pastor Lue is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Bonnie; sons Richard, Bryan, Jamie, and Johann; daughters-in-law Arlline, Stacey-Anne, Veronica, and Sophia; and ten grandchildren. He also leaves behind siblings, extended family, and countless lives touched across Canada and beyond.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media