Michael Lorne Forbes passed away from a long illness on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He died peacefully surrounded by dear friends and caring Hospice staff.

He survived by his older sister, nephew, ex-wife, and many close friends.

Michael was born in Toronto, Canada on March 1st, 1951. In his early years, he loved playing hockey and played all winter on rinks made by smoothing the ground, flooding it and leaving the water to freeze. He often played “pick up” games with neighborhood friends and excelled at the sport.

Micheal led an unusual and adventurous life. He left Toronto at age seventeen and traveled to Morocco, and from there he wound up in India where he lived for many years.

Life in India led him to an Eastern religious community and a spiritual path which he followed for the rest of his life. Within this community, he not only met his wife, but he also discovered his love and skill for woodworking. He became especially skilled at furniture and cabinet design and building.

After his life in India, Michael and his wife moved to Santa Fe where he owned a successful handcrafted furniture shop. Michael and his assistants specialized in producing high-end, unique Spanish Colonial furniture. Their pieces were shipped to private buyers throughout the Unites States and around the world.

From Santa Fe, Michael moved to Taos where he began a custom-made cabinet making business. While he was in Taos, Michael began creating fine art wooden sculptures. His sculptures were featured in art galleries and highly regarded for their artistic beauty and exceptional attention to detail.

While in Taos, Michael developed a passion for playing golf. He was a regular at Taos Country Club not only playing golf but also working there as a course marshal and as a grounds maintenance employee.

He and his energetic dog Zeb in tow enjoyed many early mornings mowing the greens. Zeb was Michael’s beloved, faithful companion for sixteen years and was with Michael when he passed.

The night before Michael passed, friends gathered with him and had a wonderful time being together and sharing stories. Michael shared that he realized how much he was loved and how many people cared about him. We love you, Michael, and will miss you. Thank you for wonderful times.