First off, I agree with others that have posted, go back and finish HS.
Secondly, you are doing yourself a great diservice by not finishing, It will follow you for the rest of your life. As far as 'Old farts' go, that was a completely different day and age, one that cannot be compared to today's.
Speaking from experience you will be better off with your HS Diploma, Much like you I withdrew from Grade 11 at 16 to work and provide for my family, However it took me a couple years to realize what a mistake I had made, as I cannot help out much if I am only going to be working in dead end jobs the rest of my life due to a non-proper HS education. I went back at 19 and completed the rest of my HS years, and I will tell you this, best decision I have made to this date.
I personally have doubt as to if someone who is not willing to finish HS is going to be able to finish the rigorous training the Army has, BMQ, SQ and MOC to name a few.
If I don't want to continue in the military, I will still be able to enter college without a diploma.
I do not know where you recieved such information, but I am pretty darn sure that that is not possible, I don't know of any post-secondary institution that will accept someone without a HS Diploma or a GED. If I am wrong than I am wrong, however I think you have been grossly misinformed about this.
Danjanou has a good idea, go back finish HS and join the reserves, if you are still interested after you finish HS then go RegF, at 17 it sounds like you dont have much left to go? perhaps just Grade 12? if so why would you quit so close to the end? (and no matter what anyone says, willingly stoping to do something is quitting)
And finally I would like to touch on one other point, you mentioned you had no plan on going Officer; However an education is not only for Officers, there are going to be many instances as an NCM that a complete HS education would serve you well. (I know I am out of my lane on this point, but I do not believe I have said anything untrue? Perhaps an Infantry member can go further on this point)