Don Clyde Dorton

Don Clyde Dorton 1926 ~ 2013 Don Clyde Dorton passed away peacefully on February 13, 2013, at the age of 86, of natural causes. He was born October 13, 1926 to Leon Clyde and Rula Storrs Dorton in Lehi, Utah. Don attended Lehi High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis, and was active in the LDS Church. He graduated with honors from Lehi High, and subsequently received an athletic scholarship at the University of Utah in 1944. A very gifted athlete, he lettered in basketball and tennis at the University of Utah in both 1945 and 1946. Following college, Don worked briefly for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegraph lineman. He then worked as co-owner and manager of Mecca Billiards, and gained a reputation as being one of the best pool players in the area. But the job Don loved most was working and playing at Forest Dale Golf Course in Salt Lake City. Don became an excellent amateur golfer. He won the Intermountain Amateur, after which he turned pro in 1955. He worked as Assistant Golf Professional at the Bend Country Club in Bend, Oregon for one year, then returned to Salt Lake City to work at Bonneville Golf Course. In 1958, he was appointed Greenskeeper at Bonneville, where he worked until 1962, at which time he was hired as Head Golf Professional at Forest Dale. Don loved his stint at Forest Dale, where he spent 27 years as Head Professional managing one of the busiest golf courses in the state. He was a proud member of the Professional Golfers Association of America. Don retired from Forest Dale in 1989 due to ill health, but later recuperated sufficiently to enjoy many cherished years of playing friendly rounds of golf with his good and loyal friends. In 1963, Don married Marianne Morse; they later divorced. They had a son, Don Morse Dorton, who is deceased. Don was also preceded in death by brothers, Robert Dorton, Craig, Dorton, and Brent Dorton; sisters, Betty Jean Lambert and Virginia Dorton. He is survived by Paula Tasselli. A viewing will be held Thursday, February 21, 2013, 12:00 noon to 1:15 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, followed at 2:00 p.m. by graveside and burial services at the Lehi City Cemetery. On behalf of Don, we would like to express gratitude to his close friend and caregiver, Margaret Grissetti, as well as special friends and caregivers, Lynda Waagen and Pam Jones. Hobbies:Golfing, playing pool, and being with family and friendsOccupation:Golf Pro