Clifton E. Haley

Clifton Edward Haley peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth on May 23, 2025 at the age of 94 in Petoskey McLaren Northern Michigan hospital of acute respiratory distress and heart failure with his daughters Deborah and Daryl close by his side.

Clif was born in Detroit, Michigan, of humble beginnings, on January 2, 1931 during the Great Depression. The 2nd of 5 children, born to George and Margaret (Hennon) Haley, they often referred to themselves as The Boxcar Children in reference to the early book series of the same name read to them by their mother.  During summers, he was sent to live with relatives in Indiana and helped on their farm.  He grew to be responsible at a young age and never forgot the value of hard work.  By all measures, Haley was a success.

He is pre-deceased by both of his parents, George and Margaret, brother Maurice, sister-in-law Marge, brother-in-law Tommy, sister Delphine, the mother of his children Janet (Peters), and his daughter Denise.

The first in his family to attend college, Clif earned his law degree from Detroit College of Law (‘61) taking evening classes while working full time and raising a family, and went on to build a remarkable legacy as a lawyer, educator, leader, philanthropist, and devoted Spartan.

Haley played a pivotal role in the 1995 affiliation between DCL and MSU, championing the vision of combining a respected independent law school with a world-class Big Ten university. When the newly affiliated MSU-DCL opened its doors in East Lansing in 1997, Haley joined the Board of Trustees. He was elected board president in 2001 and later named founding board chairman. 

A licensed pilot since 1965, Clif often flew his King Air  twin-engine plane - nicknamed “the school bus” from Drummond to Lansing multiple times a week for classes, teaching, and board meetings.  He drew upon his business  experience as an adjunct professor teaching classes in Mergers and Acquisitions at the law college for 13 years.  An avid proponent of technology, the state-of-the-art moot courtroom at the MSU College of Law bears the name of Clifton and Carolyn Haley.

Clif’s professional career began with 17 years in domestic and international leadership roles at Ford Motor Company which led him and his young family to be transferred for one year to live and work in Brussels, Belgium. This pivotal experience at the age of 32, along with his enthusiastic zest for life, led to his love of travel, gourmet cooking, especially French cuisine, and becoming a connoisseur of fine wine.

He went on to launch a leasing and rental venture within Ford, which began a long and successful career with Budget Rent a Car, where he ultimately served as chairman and CEO, and spearheaded an Initial Public Offering in 1987.

In many ways, throughout his long and fascinating life, Haley became a modern-day Renaissance man.  He was well-versed in literature, philosophy, Shakespeare and classical music. Known for his iron-clad memory and attention to detail, he strived for mastery of each new skill he attempted. From boating, fishing, and big game hunting, to his success as an executive, professor, and entrepreneur, Haley leaves his lasting stamp of excellence.  Oh, the stories he would share!

A short ferry ride from Michigan’s upper peninsula, Clif and Carolyn built their home on the shores of Potagannissing Bay in 1990-91.  After acquiring Bohica farm, he faithfully continued the tradition, begun by Kip Sorlie, of tapping their maple trees to produce pure maple syrup in his “sugar shack”.  Last year was the only year Mother Nature did not cooperate, however this year, the yield was an impressive 220 quarts.  Though he never sold any, Clif proudly gifted friends, family and guests of Bohica Lodge, a quart of his delicious “liquid gold”. 

As a long-time resident of his beloved Drummond Island, and through his generosity, he has touched many, many lives. Clif assisted countless islanders with their personal and professional legal transactions and earned a lasting legacy through his tireless work with the DeTour Reef Light restoration and preservation. Haley was a beacon of integrity, humility, and ingenuity. His greatest pride was in being able to give back. 

The lighthouse light will shine for him.

Clif is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carolyn (Borth) Haley, sister Patty Tomlinson, brother Gregory (Katie) Haley, brother–in–law Richard (Doc) Borth, his devoted daughters Deborah (Mark) Hanson and Daryl (Timothy) Pender, 5 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a large extended family who carry on his memory.  To leave a legacy is to leave behind a piece of yourself in every person you’ve touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Florence Catholic Church, Drummond Island, on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:30 pm.

Following internment of ashes, a celebration of Clif’s life will be held at 3pm in the Big Dock building, Drummond Island Yacht Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Michigan State University or the American Heart Association.