I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend Michael. It is difficult to find the right words for someone who meant so much to me and changed the course of my life in such a profound way.

I first met Michael when I was about fourteen years old through a simple pen-pal connection. What began as letters between two people from completely different worlds grew into a friendship that would shape my future. In the year 2000, Michael did something extraordinary — he invited a young African boy he had never met in person to come live with him in his home in Rancho Mirage, California. That act alone showed the kind of heart he had.

Michael welcomed me not as a stranger, but as family. He enrolled me at the College of the Desert and paid for my tuition so I could pursue an education. Every day I drove his BMW to school, something I could never have imagined as a young boy from Africa. But more important than the car or the comfort was the kindness he showed me. He took me out to dinners, shared stories, and introduced me proudly to his family — James, Denise, and others — as if I were one of his own.

Even after I left his house later that same year and eventually returned to Ghana, our connection never ended. Michael and I stayed in touch by phone over the years. I also had the privilege of visiting him several times again at his country club residence. He always welcomed me with the same warmth and laughter.

Michael shared everything about his life with me — his daily experiences, his medical struggles, his doctor’s appointments — yet he always managed to keep his sense of humor. Even during difficult times, he would tell jokes and make me laugh. That was who he was: strong, generous, and full of life.

Michael knew me from nowhere, yet he chose to treat a young African boy like a son. That kind of love and generosity is rare in this world. He opened doors for me, believed in me, and showed me a level of kindness that I will carry in my heart forever.

Recently, he sent me a goodbye email preparing me for his imminent passing. It broke my heart then, and it breaks my heart now to know that he is truly gone.

Michael was not just a friend to me. He was a mentor, a father figure, and my hero.

I will always remember him, and I will always hear his favorite playful words echo in my mind — “Kaka Mimi.”

Rest in peace, Michael. Your kindness changed my life, and your memory will live in my heart forever.

For his kindness cycle remember a lot of things but as I could mention one he was that kind of guy who didn’t say hello a lot of all the time so I just got there in 2013 and Ryan Bell pick me up in LA Airport and drove me to Michael’s house. I found out that he was missing half of the leg, but he gave me a big and warm welcome for me. It was an amazing experience because I come from a humble family and I didn’t even have that much in Spain so when I went there, it was amazing to see the house on the country club. He gave me a warm welcome. It was very impactful for me is that it was very energetic. I’m very active. I never could imagine he died because I saw him well. Last time in 2016 and my experience they’re working at the stables was very positive I love to serve with others and people was very nice. I was living at my house and I want to in the apprenticeship, but she’s and it was amazingly good. I wish I could come back there at that time and make it again because it was such a great experience. I love California and I would love to come back there, but I have two Almas in Spain and I don’t know where and how can I go there? I barely haven’t any money and it is difficult for me, but I’m open to the people and opportunities so maybe someone who likes me and who likes my dogs one mean they’re a stable helping or working and making a new live or just in California it would be very good. I’d like to serve with others because the stable was open for everyone and we were a team who worked together he was extremely happy with me. We moved the stable really forward once I got there. I got ready all the horses for the kids. I bring some of them. I wrote them every day before the kids came to warm them up and to have to get got them ready and he was really good. He was really happy with me. I fall in love with California the weather, the sun, the people the place in general. He was amazing. I met my freedom for the first time in my life freedom I have never had before I come from a humble family and things were different in here in Spain. He’s been so now things are such a difficult time in here I would love to come back. I don’t know if I would miss it once I got there. I remember I never wanted to come back to Spain. I just wanted to stay there in Cali.it was difficult with the paperwork and all but at the same time easy since flow and it wasn’t really that much of a deal you know as soon I made the things right and correct it wasn’t that big deal. Things flow where I live this season now is coming and in the summertime Catalonia gets really busy. The tourist people comes and all of that but to be honest with money everyone is happy everywhere, but that is difficult. Also, everywhere if I have to check to choose a place of course I would pick up California. I met my freedom. I I knew freedom there. I met it and it was amazing to be away from everywhere and from everyone I knew before and my difficulties left back. I have to keep going on because I’m in the countryside right now walking my dog so it was a pleasure to serve a little bit of my estimate with everybody and I wish everyone like it. Goodbye contact me if you need anything. I left my email and my contact here. danielperezgarcia999@gmail.com

I remember the first day I went to his house you know I crossed all the way and all the water from Spain to the USA and then Ryan Bell, my friend and college and companion of my work there pick me up at the LAX airport and he drove me at the Michael house and I saw Michael for the first time in my life after talking to him by email and my Internet and then I found out that he was missing the half of his leg, but I have no idea before I just found out that when I went there and it was kind of a surprise but at the same time he gave me a warm welcome and I remember we had a great time together. I’m working and moving on the stable. He was really special for me and it was probably the first step of my life meeting freedom and I wish that I can come back to the states and I wish that I have the freedom. I met one day once I got there. I meant wonderful people and to be honest he was an impact to me that he died because I haven’t spent that. I said that he was younger at least he was kinda like a younger. I never cut my own. He’s dead, but after all, I have read it an iPhone out that he was 77 or 75 and then that he died he was very very sad you know, and it was an impact for me because time flies and is difficult. I wanted to come back there, but I have two done how could I and zero dollars in my pocket but I try my best to stay there and it will be amazing for the rest of my life. That memory will be amazing in my heart you know I was just a kid and it was impactful for me. I come from a very humble family from Spain and they are honest I’m good but they are humble people and we didn’t have that much and then I went there and just the grocery store was amazing. I mean I was really grateful to be honest and I love my my time in the United States and the people was very good too. I remember the last time I went to the state in 2016 in the election time and I like it a lot because I like it Trump and I was convinced that he would be the president and I visited Michael. It was the first time I saw Michael. I wanted to stable and sell him and try to were there again, but I could not be possible because he has family over at that time and he couldn’t hurt me but for real I take my pair of boots and then I was convinced to work again for my freedom on my time for me was really sad and really hurtful his dad and also as I say it was a cross for me because the time flies I never respect that he was really much younger. You know he was teaching people coming back back-and-forth he handled well he has spoke well he everything well and you know we were sad, but it is. It is alive now in the Spain things are not that easy. Spain is a place in Europe and Euro is living a war right now. We are in Warren in display and the people from Morocco is coming over. I’m from Latin America and it is really difficult Portugal. Oh my God it is like a rear between Mexico and the state is the same. We have another problem with that country and I don’t know. I’m not that much happy here neither my future doesn’t seem very bright here. I don’t have a lot of money and I wish I could go there too. I’m opening myself to the people who met Michael and who knows the stable then who was around because I had nothing too high and you know I just try to make myself through and why not sharing my history with everybody else I did it at that time and and he was great for me and I like it so I’m very grateful to everyone who likes to listen to my history and I am also so happy to hear other ones history thank you very much 

My condolences to Celebration's family. I first met Celebration when [ describe how you know each other ] and we would often [ include common activities together ].

I miss him soooooo 😥

Last night was truly a night to remember. ❤️

On behalf of our family, I want to thank every single person who came to celebrate my dad’s life, and to those who shared their stories, memories, and love, both in person and online. Your words, your presence, and your support mean more than we can ever express.

We are so grateful for the memories my dad shared with each of you, for the lessons he taught, the laughter he brought, and the legacy he leaves behind. He gave so much of himself to so many, and it’s clear his impact will be felt for generations.

Here is just a small glimpse into his incredible life, in a short video to honor him. 🐎💙

https://www.canva.com/design/…

Bye, Michael…..

You are, and will always be, missed

Michael Cintas and Marc Miller

Michael Signs his book for my grand-daughter and is interviewed after the fact. This shows the man and his heart for young riders.

I met Michael last March 2025 while visiting my mom at The Springs. She introduced us at The Duke, and when I mentioned my 14-year-old granddaughter learning to ride back in Illinois, he kindly offered to send her a signed copy of "Learning To Ride Right". She was thrilled—and even got to speak with him on the phone while I stood beside him. I filmed the signing and a short interview with him, which I’ve now edited as a keepsake for the family. I uploaded it to this site for you to watch. Michael was truly a gem and will be deeply missed.

Sending love and blessings to the Cintas Family.   Michael was a force to be reckoned with.  He will be missed.  

I’m Dani and I went there just when I was 19 yo  I travelled all the way from Spain to work at the stables I rend myself in tears when I remember it was my whole life it was my freedom for the first time it was the sunlight of my life, he loves so much that you can’t imagine he was completely in love with me but I was very very young and didn’t know anything about life but he loved me like a father, our passion for horses was a amazing and things OMG my dears I’m sorry and affected by all of this and maybe California has a place in its heart as I do for you all. God bless the USA . Michael rest in peace and the lord keep you light and heaven forever. 

Always Dani 

I send the entire Cintas clan my deepest condolences. It is a loss I know you all feel deeply. There are those of us  including his monthly lunch group, who will also miss Michael! He was a force as you say! 

Adios my friend get the other side ready for the lunch gang because hopefully at some future point we will all be together again!

Cindy Shoe

I just didn't want to believe it!! I am so sorry!! I knew him in the 90s (1994-1997 ) and I helped him when he first started putting  on horse shows!! We were a good team!! He was always there for me!! And wanted me to go in a different direction than the way I was going!! I wish I had listened to him!! One of my favorite memories I have is when I dressed up like Queen Elizabeth and rode my horse Summer into a conference room at one of the big hotels in the Palm Springs Area.....this was before the internet...he kept telling me to learn how to wave like Queen Elizabeth did....I didn't look it up and I tried to do some kind of like her wave and before we went in he watched my version of the wave and grabbed my arm and said "NOT LIKE THAT!! LIKE THIS!!". Then he grabbed my arm and showed me how to do it....Summer and I were a hit with the crowd and everyone loved my wave!! Thank you Michael for amazing experiences like this and always being there for me and always telling me he loved and believed in me!! I will Miss you So Much!! Hugs and Kisses my friend!! I will see you again someday!! 

Michael & Michele Fun Times Together — with Michael & Michele

I feel honoured and blessed that our paths crossed on this planet and that I had the opportunity to spend time with Michael.

We first met on the field of play in riding arenas, at Modern Pentathlon competitions. From then on, we not only spent time together at events in different countries—including the Olympic Games—but also developed a deep and lasting friendship over the years.

I had the privilege of spending regular time at his place and getting to know his wonderful family. I am deeply grateful for that, just as I am for the passion we shared for horses, dogs, and so much more. Despite living on different continents and being separated by an ocean, we had a strong bond because we shared many of the same values.

A great person—with a wealth of expertise, dedication, and a heart of gold—has left us. We had unforgettable times with the horses, and you taught me, and so many other students and owners, so much. Thank you, Michael—forever.

Those memories will always stay with me. Whenever I ride a horse, spend time with dogs, or drink a scotch, I will think of you—always forward and positive, just as you lived.

I hope you find the peace you deserve, and that our paths will cross again one day.

Thinking of you always, Philipp

A mentor, teacher, brother and all around amazing and unique human being.  An inspiration to more than most can comprehend.  He will be missed but never forgotten.

Oh Michael, where do I start? Your spirit has waited until now to dwell within my soul. Thank you for your presence during this past week. I have been unable to sleep, think, nor breathe without your constant interaction within my soul. You have shared much with me recently. As my big brother, you have left me a treasure chest full of blessings. Most of all, you've left me with the knowledge I have obtained from your life history. You have taught me a variety of lessons, to include unconditional love, living life to the fullest, the fact that money is just necessary, but could be hateful, that what other people think of us is none of our business, that I can not, nor will I ever, experience or understand how you had so much drive and resistance. A drive that kept you moving forward each day when you had to put on a prosthesis before walking out the door, and in doing so, you did it with total confidence and dignity. You've taught me that lovers are hard to find, but cheaters are abundant. And, although life is short, it can be filled with a multitude of sweet and bitter experiences and memories. What I've been wanting to convey to you, is that I now realize why siblings can fight like cats and dogs at times, yet the rivalry in our lives creates an inseparable bond between brothers. Bravo to you, Michael Douglas Cintas. Always and forever, a legend, and superior BIG BROTHER. With love, Cole, Nate Jr, and brother Nathan. The Cintas Boyz

A very special lunch—I'll always hold close the time we spent together, our conversations, and the memories we shared. Michael, you are a life force—full of strength, heart, and humor—your spirit will live on in everyone blessed to have known you. You will be missed more than words can say. My sadness eases just a little when I picture you, Mom and Dad together again, sharing hugs and catching up. All our love, always. — with Michael, Natalie, Denise and Barry

Forever in my heart and memory.....bye for now, Michael

We will never forget Michael.

Thank you for all the good times we had together.

Our deepest condolences.