Floored by the loss of my dear friend. Of my new friends made since I moved to Florida in 2015, Michael's friendship was a standout. 
I met him through an associate of an organization and we hit it off immediately. Initially we got together to talk business but it quickly became just a pure friendship where we talked long & often about life. Michael checked several boxes for me and I assume and hope I checked a couple boxes for him as well. I felt our friendship was truly mutually beneficial. 
Although it was a relatively short period i feel since we were both living experience-rich lives, we shared a lot.
Our friendship was built on mutual respect and I greatly valued that. My wife Rachel & I were honored to attend his awesome wedding where he married Dion and was all smiles. It was nice to see my friend move through life and share some of his life events.
Michael's work passions shifted about a year ago and that shift resulted in him traveling abroad more often. But that didn't stop us, we still went out of our way to make sure we got together for coffee or lunch whenever he was in town.
We tried to get together around Thanksgiving but we both had a lot going on so it was, wait until he was back in town in January. 
And here I am, without my coffee buddy. Count me as one of the people Michael meant very much too.

Michael was so incredibly passionate about life and always played fully.   It was a sincere pleasure to have served with him on the CANA board,  what a sad loss for our community.  Sending love to Dion, may joyous memories hold you tight.

I had the privilege of spending time with Michael through our shared passion.
I will always remember the light, joyful memories of a radiant man.
I extend my heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Basile

Dear Michael,

We awake one day in the middle of the argument, and call it life.
From that mystery we come,
and to that mystery we return.
Spinoza whispers from afar:
do not fear death,
it is of the same thread
as the oblivion before birth.
Our project was a living body:
idea, will, shared path.
Today it moves like a ship
suddenly missing a silent mast.
It does not collapse, but it creaks.
That way you had of being
that seemed so simple
and, now we know,
was a secret architecture.
Your voice did something strange to time:
it slowed it down.
You did not raise walls, you raised calm.  
With few words you made it clear  
that the world was not lost,
that error was forgivable,
that learning was also producing.
You seemed happy,  
but the smile, sometimes,  
is a language few understand.
Perhaps in your silences  
there were closed rooms  
that none of us knew how to open.  
Perhaps the weight you carried  
did not fit in your being.
We do not judge you,
we honor you.
Today death is not a monster,  
it is an opaque frontier.  
Thank you for the peace you left in the air,  
for the trust you planted in our hands,
for that discreet humanity
that made this place more habitable.
We remain here,
fine tuning that project,
learning to sustain it
with the part of you that stayed in us.
Because that much we know:
not everything goes away.
There are presences
that death does not know how to erase.
We bid you farewell without fear,
honoring the mystery that welcomes you again:
drop returning to the sea,
light merging with the whole,
without goodbye or grief.
Your essence does not die,
but lives in the pulse you bequeath,
in every step we take without you,
but with your peace etched in our entrails.
Sleep in that eternal mist,
where there are no masks or pretense,
and we, on the wounded shore,
learn to walk with your light,
but now without you.

From Bolivia with love,
Bertha

Michael. Oh, Michael.

Words cannot express how saddened and empty I feel by your passing. As everyone else who has had the chance to meet you, you left a mark with me; forever.

We met through the shared passion you, my father and I had for the art of watchmaking, but that relationship grew much larger than that. First, I know you meant a lot for my dad - it was always so funny to hear about all your stories through dad and the things you were doing together while travelling and working. I know things were challenging, but you sounded happy and fulfilled when speaking about it.

But you also became someone important for me, someone to look up to as a bright, kind and generous mentor and friend. You have definitely helped me grow as a man, and I will forever carry that with me. I will always cherish the moments and discussions we shared. I would like to believe that in another life, we would still have met; our encounter feels like it was meant to be.

You leave behind a deep void for us all, but also many fond memories for anyone you engaged with, including me. I will never forget you, and I will keep you alive through the spirit of watch collecting and by being as decent of a man as I can be- just like you.

I am grateful to have met you, and Dion through you. He will always find our doors wide open whenever he wants.

Cigar is on me next time. So long, my friend.

Milton

Mike, I just got to know you in Stockholm less that two weeks ago, and instantly took a liking to you! Friendly, Sharp with a fast moving intellect, and yet very humble in your approach. I feel like I missed the party. See you in the next life!

Martin

Remembering Michael brings a mix of gratitude and sadness. Michael was a true friend and a passionate collector, but more than that, he was someone whose laughter, stories, and wisdom made every conversation meaningful. I’ll never forget the collector conversation we did together. The excitement, nerves, and hilarious outtakes. You would have thought we were filming a movie!  He was the kind of person I could call day or night, always ready with thoughtful advice or a good joke. He will be sorely missed.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s family and loved ones for your loss.

I had the privilege of working with Michael during the summer of 2025. It was my first real job, and Michael was my first real boss. Honestly, I could not have been more fortunate.

Michael was patient in a way I never could have expected. He took great care in teaching me, helping me understand, and encouraging me to see the bigger picture. I am only 22 years old, yet Michael always treated me as an equal. He constantly asked for my perspective and my thoughts, something he may not have given much thought to himself, but which meant a lot to me, and which truly reflects the kind of person he was.

I remember having dinner with Michael at a restaurant in New York early summer. It was the first time I met him, along with two of his friends whom I had never met before. Still, he made me feel immediately welcome, safe, and at home. During that dinner, I quickly became aware of the depth of his intellect and knowledge, but also of his warmth and ease with people.

Throughout the entire summer we worked together, it genuinely felt as though Michael cared about me. That meant an incredible amount to me. He was always generous with positive feedback and encouragement, something that was important to me at that stage of my life. We got along very well, largely because Michael was who he was, kind and genuinely caring.

I had truly looked forward to continuing to work with Michael and to further building our relationship. To my great sorrow, that will not be possible. Even though our relationship was still young, receiving the news of his passing was very painful. Life is fragile. I hope that he experienced moments of light and happiness during the time we worked together.

I am grateful for the opportunity I was given this summer to work with him and to get to know him.

With sincere condolences ,

Axel Hockman

Dear Michael,

Throughout our work on your French house project, we discovered a man full of passion, and an energy for life that was inspiring.  We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news.  Rest in peace.  
Marjan & Quentin.

Baruch Dayan haEmes Moshe Nachum son of Sharon  and Marty . Brother of Adam .  Father of two beautiful girls. Nephew to Steven and Howard. Cousin to  Michael,  Brandon and Jeremy.  Husband of Deon.  May  your soul go up to the Highest Heavens. You will be missed.  We will carry your legacy. You will not be forgotten.

So much to talk about and now no time to do it.  I was excited to visit and share all we've just encountered.  I think you would've been happy to see the kids.  We'll miss the future with you.....

I know of Michael through a very good friend that has become family., who has nothing but amazing things to say about him.  My deepest condolences  to family  and friends left behind.  From the minute I heard of his passing, I started  praying. 
RIP  Micheal Kalb

There is no words who will replace the loss of a loved ones. My dear Michael, it was a privilege to knew you and to have you in our collector’s family that you will be forever. 
May the time give you the peace and rest, with love from Switzerland 💔

Michael — it was great to have met you, and I know you meant the world to Dion, but also to David. I can’t get my head around all the beautiful, exciting, and challenging (in a positive way) things you had ahead of you — and that you’ll miss out on now. Yes, I’m angry. But I hope you feel peace.

You will always be part of our thoughts — when we’re down by the lake sipping a nice glass of white, when David and Milton have found a new dream watch to get excited about, or when I help out with the SDO adventure. We will do great work in your memory — promise.

With love,
Camilla

In loving memory of Michael Kalb

“Time is the most precious gift,” he once said.

He understood that every second holds a heartbeat, every mechanism a story.
Today, we gather with broken hearts to honor a man who saw beauty in the finest details of life. A man who traveled the world with a suitcase full of curiosity and a spirit eager to embrace every discovery.
When Michael smiled — truly smiled — the world around him brightened. He celebrated craftsmanship, intellect, humor, and joy.
He listened deeply. He cared profoundly.
He lived with wonder.
One moment I will never forget — standing outside the atelier of Haldimann Horology — he wept tears of pure happiness. His dream watch would one day come to life. In that instant, he allowed us to witness the fullness of his heart.
His departure leaves us searching for answers that may never come. But grief, however heavy, cannot erase the love he gave or the brilliance he shared. Those gifts remain — they are the legacy he leaves in our hands.
In the Jewish tradition, we say:
Yehi Zichro Baruch — May his memory be a blessing.
And we believe that each act of goodness done in his honor brings light to his soul.
Every laugh we share, every journey we take, every moment we marvel at the miracle of time —
he is there.
Still traveling with us.
Still teaching us to see beauty.
May the Eternal embrace him in peace.
May those who loved him — especially his beloved husband — find strength in love,
comfort in memory,
and healing in time.
Because love does not end.
Not even here.

Michael, you will be dearly missed, your friend Boris

Sending all my love to Michael’s family and friends. Michael was a truly wonderful person who brought so much joy, warmth, and light into the lives of everyone around him. His kindness and spirit will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Dion and Bes

Oh, Michelle, this wasn't your best decision. We were very close friends, watch geeks and business partners. You are missing out on the work we fought so hard to get in Bolivia. The fact that people are coming from Bolivia to your funeral speaks volumes about the impact you had. You are missing out on the country's restructuring. You abandoned the station.  

As so many, I need you, so the loss is unbearable. I love you, I challenged you, I pushed you, I helped you see the bigger picture. You did some heavy lifting—you were always there for all of your friends. Your passion for watchmaking, your love of Dion and life were always a beacon of inspiration. I spent more time with you this past year than anyone else. 

We were just wheels up; the trip had not even begun. I will do my best to honour your memory by carrying on with the journey we were on. It's not going to be easy, but I will fight for it.  You, me, and Dion had a lot of fun, or at least we did.  Dion might have been somewhat annoyed by our foreign policy and watch geeking, but who wouldn't? 

Your appetite for knowledge was inspiring. We had so many truly unforgettable moments toget - you meant the world to me, and you just left us all. I know everything was not plain sailing, but MK, we had a project SDO - that was/is the future - I don't understand what happened, and when I see you next time, you'd better have a good explanation. Your partnership meant the world to me. 

You were a real friend, something I don't have many of. You meant a lot to so many; your passion was toxic. You sold yourself short; you underestimated the emptiness your departure has on us who are here today without you. I think of you every day, every single time I deal with our work stuff. I miss you; your loss is unbearable. I'm pissed at you, but I love you and I always will. We will make Dion a part of our family. Dimitri and I will move on with SDO.  Life will never be the same. I hope that you find inner peace. 

R.I.P 

David

Michael was a dearly beloved friend of mine for many years. Although absence sometimes filtered in the years between, we always found ourselves reconnecting. He was a wonderful person, gregarious, sharp and had a laugh that could fill the room. Maybe peace now you’ll find, but you will always be in my heart and in my mind.

Michael I will miss your hugs every time you came into the office.
May you rest in peace. Prayers to your family. xoxoxo

Michael was a new friend and I had spent the last three days with him before he passed - he was becoming a real friend too and I am so sad that I will have to wait until the next life to get to know him letter
Dimitri xxxx

Our condolence for your loss, ‏ May he rest in peace🙏🏻

Mike was one of my very first friends when I moved to London and desperately needed some.I will always remember him as a great human with a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed.

Mike.  I will never forget you for a few things.  We spent a lot of time together in 1991 when i pledged under you.  We shared a lot of laughs and we celebrated some wins together!  You shared with me your scary vcr tapes of hurricane andrew….and those memories still scar me today.  You were also the first person to explain and show me the internet…and you introduced me to pop will eat itself and i recall your surprise when i liked it

May brother Blum find you in the next chapter with open arms.  Thank you for being my friend and fraternity brother

Wow! This is a shocker! Mike was my Fraternity little Brother, and I was so glad that we reconnected several years ago after losing touch nearly 30 years ago. We enjoyed talking about our mutual love of watches, aviation, and other mutual hobbies. Then we lost touch again, and I get this sad news today. 

May his memory be a blessing.

I am deeply grateful for the blessing of knowing Michael, and for the chance encounter that brought him into my life.
We were on parallel paths, pursuing the same goal. It wasn’t until I met Christine that Michael and I were formally connected, and I’ve been honored to work closely with him ever since.
Michael’s passion for helping others—his family, friends, and his husband Dion—was boundless. His enormous heart and generosity changed lives and will continue to do so for years to come.
Without Michael, Sunshine Pride House would not exist today—a place where unhoused LGBTQ youth find safety, security, and love. His power to shape lives defined his legacy, one that will carry on for many years.
Dion, we love you and are here to support you. May his memory be a blessing to you and on days where your grief is overwhelming, think of the amazing life you two built together and know he is right by your side. . Rest easy, my friend — you’ve earned your wings. Now fly high, brother.

Sorry to hear about your loss of Michael. 
Thoughts and prayers reach out to his family and friends.   He  was a great man with a lot of accomplishments.  He will be dearly missed.
All the best.

Michael had a dream, and his generosity, and that of fellow philanthropist Terry Merlin along with the support of Michael's husband Deon, and the collaboration of the Sunshine Cathedral Foundation, SunServe, FLITE, and The OurFund Foundation, made that dream come true. His passion and philanthropy were the foundation of the Sunshine Pride House.

His vision for helping the marginalized and his willingness to use his resources to bring that vision to life along with the support of his husband and life-partner Deon made the world a better place, especially for LGBTQ+ young people.

Michael's heart for the hurting & his generosity intended to make lives better is his legacy. May his memory be for a blessing. And condolences to his husband Deon. They were a philanthropic team.

--Bishops Durrell Watkins & Robert Griffin
Sunshine Cathedral

Thank you Mike for your love, dedication and generosity. You and Dion are pillars in our community who have left an indelible mark on the lives of so many, especially our youth. You will be greatly missed my friend but your legacy lives on in those of us that continue to do the work. You will always be a hero to me and so many of us that worked closely with you.

Dear family and friends of Michael,
I will remember Michael as a passionate and exciting person who was full of energy at all times.
His passion for watchmaking was immense, and I will always do my best in his memory.
Cédric Johner

Michael, you will be missed so much.  RIP.  Your German brother.  Boris

Our prayers are with all who knew and loved Michael.  We are so sad. Life can keep us all too busy and we didn’t get to know our neighbor as well as we would have liked. He was doing a great job as president of our HOA and admired by many.

I have been extremely fortunate to share wonderful moments with Michael.
His humanity, warmth, and kindness were truly unique. We bonded over our shared passions for watches, cigars, and wine—reflections of Michael’s deep appreciation for life.
He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences.

Michael’s older brother Adam is one of my closest friends in the world. From the time we were in high school I always remember Michael being smart, funny, and just a very good person. Frankly, I thought he was a better person than me and was going to do better in life than Adam and I. Over the years we watched him do incredibly well professionally and start a family. I can’t believe I won’t be getting any more updates from Adam about Michael taking a really neat trip, doing something significant again in business or just enjoying the successes he worked so hard for. I pray that Adam, Marty, and Sharon are flooded with nothing but the happy memories and images from the time Michael was a baby through being an adult. Hopefully that will drown out some of the sorrow you feel now to get you through this tough time. Rest in peace, Michael.

I knew Michael only through his mom, Sharon and his brother, Adam. Their stories, recounted to me, were filled with the fondest of memories. 
Adam had such respect and admiration for Michael, and although often distant in proximity to each other, they held a love for one another that only the bond between two brothers could bring.  The sting of Michael’s passing will linger, but smiles will soon surface as wonderful memories will flood the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

In loving memory of Michael, a wonderful person with such a bright smile. It is a tough and sad time go through, I would have love to spend more time with you. You shared things with such great passion and joy. We spent really nice moments together, you were definitely a great friend. I hope you are in peace where you are.
My thoughts alos goes to his family and closest friends, I cannot imagine how hard it is.

With love from Switzerland, Gabi

I met him in Geneva on 4th of December in a very special event. He was a huge fan of watches and good cigar lover. I am very sorry for lossing him. R.I.P Micheal.

OBITUARY

Michael Kalb

August 28, 1970 – December 7, 2025

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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