"Clay and family: I wanted to express my deepest sympathy. Don was just a wonderful guy. He was always smiling and upbeat - he made the world a better place. There were so many times when he simply cheered up the 10th floor by being there. Tim"
In loving memory of
Donald E. Cline
Donald E. Cline went to sleep peacefully on March 3, 2018 and woke up in Heaven, where he was surely greeted by his wife of 63 years, Frances, who awaited his arrival for nearly 11 years. Don Cline was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on April 6, 1926. He left home at 16 to seek his fortune as a bell captain in Tulsa, served in the United States Army in Germany during World War II, was honorably discharged in 1946, then rejoined his wife and young daughter and moved to Colorado. In 1950, Don joined Mountain Bell in Colorado where he, starting as a pay phone coin collector, held management positions in sales, public relations, advertising, and operations. During the time in Colorado, Don and Frances were blessed with the arrival of two sons to make a family of five. In 1973, Don arrived in Arizona as Mountain Bell's Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, serving in that position until 1982 when he was named Arizona Vice President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement in June of 1987. In February of 1990, after his retirement from Mountain Bell, Don accepted a gubernatorial appointment from his life-long friend, Rose Mofford, as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce. His most recent position was as a founder and Chairman of the Board of Republic BankAZ. Don Cline was a Christian man. Over the years, he served the Lutheran Church in several leadership roles and taught Sunday School for many years. In addition to his dedication to God and his church, he was involved in a plethora of civic and business affiliations. To name a few, he served on the Governor's Commission on Reform of the Welfare System in Arizona, was a member of the Commission on Cost Efficiency in State Government (Mini-Grace), and led the Arizona Chamber of Commerce as chairman. He also was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Standard Register/PING LPGA tournament, president of the Boys Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, and served as the general chairman of the 1988 Citizens Bond Committee. Other memberships included ASU council of 100, Phoenix 40, life membership in the Fiesta Bowl Committee, and President of the Board of Governors of Moon Valley Country Club. He was honored with the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith's Torch of Liberty Award, the Arizona Newspaper Association's Billy Goat Award, was named Citizen of the Year by the Phoenix Board of Realtors, and designated 1986 Man of the Year by the Phoenix Advertising Club for outstanding service to the community. Dearly loved by his family and friends, Don inspired all with whom he came into contact by his honesty, integrity, and his calm, fair, and firm leadership. He was described by many as "the best man I have ever known." As for you aspiring golfers, especially "lefties," he shot his age at 75 and then again at 80! Don is survived by his sister Gloria Kerr from Tucson; daughter Sharon Schmidt (Winston) from Peoria, AZ; son Clayton Cline (Linda) from Phoenix; son Curtis Cline (Pamela) from Denver; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation is open to all at 5-8pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. Interment with Military Honors will take place on Wednesday, March 14th at 10am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix. A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on March 14th at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. A reception for family and friends will follow the Service at Moon Valley Country Club, 151 W. Moon Valley Dr., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to a memorial fund in memory of Donald E. Cline, which annually benefits several Phoenix Valley charitable organizations. Please make checks payable to InFaith Community Foundation and send to 625 4th Ave. S., Ste. 1500, Minneapolis MN 55415, with "The Donald E. Cline Fund" written in the note portion of the check. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"Don was a wonderful man and we were honored to know him. You and your family are in our prayers. Patrick and Regina"
"Many, many years ago, my husband (who worked in marketing at Mountain Bell) had one dream - to play in the Phoenix Open. He had terminal cancer. Somehow Don found out about it & gave up his place so my husband could play. It was a generous act that my family has never forgotten. My husband died 3 weeks later. From our family to yours we send our gratitude & sympathy. Diane Crowell Pena"
"Clay and Family, please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your father, Don. I had multiple fun conversations with him about his Mountain Bell time as my former husband knew him while we (Frank and I) both worked for Western Electric, AT&T. etc. Don lived a full life giving of himself by helping many organizations who I'm sure will miss him and thank him for his tireless contributions. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cheri"
"Don thanks for all the GREAT TIMES Marian & I had with you & Frances. We stayed at your home in Moon Valley played golf. And the neat times we stayed at your home at Prescott Golf & Country Club, played golf and Dinning in Prescott. Made many golf trips around Arizona with you & Frances. Frances and you stayed with us in Lake Montezuma and played more golf and that's when I found out you where very good at shooting Pool by not wining a game from you & cost me to find that out. Also played golf with you and Clayton at Beaver Creek Golf and Country Club. Marian & I have very good and lasting MEMORIES OF YOU DON AND YOUR FAMILY, MANY THANKS. GEORGE & MARIAN GILMORE 3-11-2018"
"Dear Sharon, Clay and Curtis: I extend my sympathy to you and your families for the passing of your Father and Grandfather, Don. He has always been one of my favorite people - I loved to listen to him telling of his stories of his youth. We had many good laughs, he always got a chuckle and a gleam telling about them. He had such an exceptional life story with his continued service to our community and his dedication to different causes. He was a jewel! My warmest regards to all of you. Donna Leopold"
"Clay and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. You Dad was the epitome of a "Gentleman's Gentleman". One of the nicest men I ever had the privilege to say that I knew. My fondest memory of him was when he would step out of the elevator on the ground floor at 3rd and Earll with 1 golf club slung over his shoulder. Jim DeLuca"
"Sharon, Clay, Curt and Don's LARGE extended family, What a blessing that Don's death was peaceful and no doubt a reunion with Frances! As most of you know, he was my rock and friend for most of my career at Mountain Bell, then US West. Don joined the company the year I was born and moved to the officer ranks as AVP the year I was hired. Working for him taught me so much about learning, teaching, and serving not just in the business world, but also in the larger community. I thrived professionally and personally under his tutelage and his unwavering support. Until health issues took their toll in recent years, Don and I stayed in touch through cards and an annual call on his birthday. Up to the last call a couple of years ago, while weak in voice, he was still strong in spirit and humor. I can't be at his service, but hope it will feature some of his endless collection of puns and aphorisms. What a legacy he left to all of you, to his friends, and to all of Arizona!"