Douglas Joseph Cline

Douglas Cline
Ann Arbor, MI
Douglas Joseph Cline, 82, passed away December 12, 2023. He was born on July 21, 1941, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Floyd Cline and Ethel Mae (Lahue) Cline.
Doug's love for school and learning began at a young age. He attended a one-room school house, called Salem Stone School in Plymouth, Michigan from K-6th grade. He was excited to go to school every day despite having to walk 4 miles each way, to and from, even in the winter months. He then attended Central Middle School and later graduated from Plymouth High School in 1959. Upon high school graduation, he attended Michigan State University for 2 years and then transferred to Adrian College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He then attended Eastern Michigan University where he received a Master's Degree in Education.
Upon receiving his Master's, he happily accepted his first teaching position in 1966 at Whiteford High School as a English/Spanish teacher. After teaching for several years, he was excited to take a new position as a guidance counselor at Whiteford. It was while he was there, that Doug married the love of his life, Fae (Esper) Cline, on October 13, 1972, at Dixboro United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They were married for 51 years and built a beautiful family together consisting of 3 children they love very much. Doug then left Whiteford High School in 1973 to continue the next 37 years as a guidance counselor at Novi Middle School. He loved his students and his students loved him. He made such a positive and lasting impact on their lives that many of them stayed in close contact with him and would come back periodically to visit him. One of those students is Dr. Sanjay Gupta -Neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN! While at Novi Middle School, he was the Student Council Advisor. His dedication to his students was nothing short of genuine and sincere. In fact, it was common for Doug, after the monthly school dances that the Student Counsel put on, ended, to see him loading up his car with kids who didn't have a ride home, in order to make sure that they got home safe and sound. He truly cared and made a tremendous impact on their lives!
Doug also had another love and passion that ran through him, head to toe an unwavering love and passion for horses, especially the American Quarter Horse. He loved showing, breeding, and judging them. As for showing, at the young age of 18 years old, the Michigan Quarter Horse Association presented him a trophy for "Outstanding Boy Quarter Horse Owner of the state" award and he also won the "4-H Quarter Horse Award", at a state-wide presentation. When it came to breeding, he started again, at a very early age of 18 years old and continued to be a proud QH breeder for 61 years, at their farm, Colonial Acres-which he loved so very much. In fact, a newspaper article was written about him in November 1961 explaining how he was partially defraying his expenses as a MSU student by the sale of colts produced by 2 of his Quarter Horse mares. Lastly, as he proudly followed in his father's (Floyd Cline's) footsteps, he LOVED being an AQHA judge, along with many other breed associations: 4-H, APHA, PtHA, PHBA, ABRA, IBHA, POA, etc. He proudly judged for 60 years! Individuals, to this day, routinely comment on how he was one of the best judges they ever showed to-not only because he was good at it, but also because he was fair, not political, and always took the time to answer their questions (in their efforts/desires to improve for the next show) after the show was over-always! He especially was passionate about youth exhibitors and went the "extra mile" for them. For example when judging, he routinely would open a personal tab at the show's concession stand, and reward all of the lead-line and walk trot exhibitors with a free ice cream as a reward for their participation, hard work, and to help encourage their love of horses and showing. Actions spoke louder than just words for Doug. He loved and was also very involved in the Michigan Quarter Horse Association. He served as the MQHA President in 1984 after serving 2 years as Vice President and being a Director serving on many committees including one of his favorite-the Futurity committee. Doug was a tremendous man who was admired greatly by his family, friends, fellow horse enthusiasts, and students and will be missed immensely.
Doug will be missed by his wife, Fae Cline; his children, Vanessa (John) Tundo, Stephanie (Chuck) Cesarz, Ryan (Mandy) Cline; brother, Ron (Sandy) Cline; grandchildren, Aubrey, Bryce, Gavin, Caroline, Cole, Cora; nieces, Pam (Tim) Flack, Paula (Kent) Jeppesen; and nephew, Ron (Gretchen) Cline. He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ethel Cline.
Doug's family and friends will gather, Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 10am-6pm at Borek Jennings Funeral Home in Hamburg, MI. His Community Farewell will be held from 3-4pm on that Sunday. Pastor Dan Quagliata will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Doug Cline, to the Michigan 4-H Foundation-446 West Circle Drive, Room 160, East Lansing, MI 48824 or online at www.mi4hfdtn.org. Please leave a message of comfort for Doug's family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
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