Donald Torline

Don Torline’s remarkable life’s journey came to a conclusion January 18, 2022, peacefully, surrounded by family.

He was born in Detroit in 1946 to Charles and Alma Jean Torline. His life’s trajectory was altered by a compassionate teacher who helped transform Don’s rough-and-tumble childhood to an exemplary athletic career at Ainsworth High School, leading to a scholarship at Flint Junior College where he met his wife, Carol. Don enlisted in the Army in 1966, and deployed to Vietnam as a morse code interceptor. He completed his Army tour overseeing hundreds of military funerals throughout Michigan as a Staff Sergeant.

Don worked full-time with two young children as he completed his higher education on the GI Bill.  His past experience drew him to teach and coach at Hamady High School in Flint. He transitioned to Baker Junior College in 1983.  His vision and perseverance in creating successful new programs led to his presidency of the Port Huron Campus of Baker College in 1991, and subsequent presidency of the Mount Clemens campus overseeing expansive growth. His educational focus was on providing opportunity to non-traditional learners, like himself, and in giving everyone, regardless of background, the opportunity to succeed. Don was a truly gifted leader and mentor who delighted in the professional development, growth, and success of his students and team members. A compassionate humanitarian, Don volunteered his time, and was recognized with numerous community service and leadership awards. He also was honored to serve as president of Mount Clemens Rotary Club.

More recently, as he navigated the medical condition that would claim his life, he never failed to thank every single person he came into contact with for their important work.  Don leaves behind a grieving family, who will remember proudly his devotion to the pillars of his life: family, honesty, integrity, humility, humor, education, faith — and golf.

Visitation is planned at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Grand Blanc for Monday, January 24th, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, and Tuesday, January 25th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with service to follow at 12:00 pm. Please consider extending Don’s remarkable legacy with a donation to The Don Torline Mount Clemens Rotary Scholarship Fund. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to The Mount Clemens Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 621, Mount Clemens, MI 48046-0621. Please indicate Don’s fund in your donation.