Written By: Greg Johnson
Doug Stranahan often served as a starter on the first tee for Golf Association of Michigan tournaments, his reading glasses perched on the end of his nose as he kept track of starting times and groups.
Stranahan, a Fenton resident and member of Spring Meadows Country Club in Linden, passed away late on June 12 after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Ted Newton, director of tournament administration for the GAM, called him a great communicator.
“He was a great starter, and would do anything we asked of him,” Newton said. “He enjoyed being a starter and making sure the golfers had the correct information.”
Stranahan, by all accounts, loved golf, considered his 15 years of volunteer work with the GAM as a way to give back and loved a good joke. He was quick to laughter and wanted GAM golfers to enjoy the tournament experience.
“Doug’s commitment to the game of golf and to the Michigan golf community was truly exceptional,” the GAM tournament team said in an announcement to board members and volunteers.
“Through his many years of service, he generously gave his time, energy, and passion, leaving a lasting impact on the Association and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His reliability, kindness, and genuine love for the sport will be remembered by many.”
In 1980 Doug co-founded Recruiting, Selection & Retention, Inc., and produced a tool, the Potential Performance Profile, that could be used in the interviewing process for brokers and managers. It has been used by a number of real-estate offices for over 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Barb, and sons, Brian Butler (Megan), Kirk and Patrick, and grandson Liam. Patrick Stranahan continues his father’s legacy in the golf community as the course superintendent at Tam-O-Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield.
No service has been planned at this time.
