Mark Christie remembered as an educator with a passion for digital technology

A Top End pilot who died when his light aircraft crashed into Fogg Dam has been remembered for his passion and innovation.

Mark Christie flying over Humpty Doo on Christmas Day 2024. Picture: Pilotographer

An outpouring of grief from family, friends and colleagues have painted a picture of the exceptional man that was Mark Christie.

Mr Christie, 63, died on January 12 when his ultralight aircraft crashed into Fogg Dam.

The crash led to the dramatic multi-force rescue of the aircraft’s passenger, a 29-year old woman who was uninjured.

NT Police are still investigating the circumstances of the tragic crash, with the aircraft only recovered from Fogg Dam on Tuesday.

Mr Christie’s personal website demonstrated his passion for “pilotography”, which he defined as: “I fly where I want and photograph what I want” while following aviation standards, he said.

Mr Christie’s website showed his passions for photography and piloting. Picture: Pilotographer

He concluded his introduction with an invitation to share his skills with anyone interested.

It is this commitment to teaching and sharing knowledge which shines bright in tributes to Mr Christie from his colleagues.

Mr Christie was working with the Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD) at the time of his death, showcasing his skills in digital technologies and education.

“He brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, and passion to support educators,” a spokesperson for DCDD said.

“He was well known for his creativity in coaching teachers and students to adopt the latest classroom technologies.

Mr Christie was a keen traveller. Picture: Facebook

“Mr Christie was a passionate exemplar of all things digital to help improve educational outcomes for our children.”

This passion for education was cultivated through a decade of service at the Department of Education and Training from 2009 to 2019, with acting chief executive Tony Considine telling staff they had lost “a valued colleague”.

“Mark was a passionate digital innovator who was always keen to assist school staff to support learning,” Mr Considine said.

“Many colleagues in our corporate offices that knew Mark are grieving.

“We acknowledge Mark’s contribution to education in the Northern Territory.”

Mr Christie and his wife Helen and son, Joe. Picture: Facebook

Mr Christie is survived by his wife Helen and his son Joe.

In a statement published by ABC Darwin, Joe Christie described his father as “fun, aspirational, inspirational and respectful”.

“The true richness of a person is not the treasures they possess, but the mark they leave on the world,” Joe said.

“And I can say with confidence through the outpour of love shown by family and friends that the world was a better place because Mark Christie was in it.”

Originally published as Mark Christie remembered as an educator with a passion for digital technology