Michael Robert Haynes

Michael "Rainbow" Robert Haynes passed away on September 20th at the age of 43. He was born on January 21, 1983, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. For most of his adult life, he called his beloved Boulder, Colorado, home.

Michael lived a life defined by adventure, connection, creativity, and love. He had an extraordinary ability to embrace life fully and to make the people around him feel welcomed and valued. He truly never met a stranger. Whether through a chance encounter, a shared adventure, or a lifelong friendship, Michael had a way of connecting with people that made them feel like they had known him forever.

A lifelong sports fan, Michael played lacrosse at Towson High School and remained a devoted fan of the Carolina Tar Heels and the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his life. But his greatest passions extended far beyond the playing field. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who found joy and freedom in nature. Among his many adventures was a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, as well as mountain climbing and bouldering. He loved traveling and exploring the world, visiting more than half of the states in the US as well as places including Japan and Bali.

Michael was passionate about movement, mindfulness, and creative expression. A yoga instructor and performance artist whose hobbies included juggling and hooping, he brought his curiosity and love of life into everything he did. As an entrepreneur, he created a mindfulness and self-reflection business, and through his podcast and social media channels, he sought to spread positivity, kindness, and goodness into the world. A true humanitarian, Michael was worldly, compassionate, and deeply interested in people and the experiences that connect us all. He believed in living with intention and encouraging others to do the same.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Robert Donald Haynes Jr. He is survived by his mother, Norma Jean Haynes; a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and dozens of cousins; and countless friends whose lives were touched by his generosity, energy, laughter, and love.

Michael leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind the people he inspired, the friendships he formed, the adventures he shared, and the love he gave so freely. His spirit lives on in the mountains he loved, in the people he brought together, and in every life he touched along the way. We are certain that Rainbow Michael is now at peace and in harmony with the universe, surrounded by the same love and light that he spent his life sharing with others.

A memorial service celebrating Michael's life will be held at Towson Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 10th, at 2:00 p.m.

May we honor Rainbow Michael by living a little more openly, loving a little more freely, embracing adventure, and never meeting a stranger.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make a donation to your charity of choice in Memory of Michael.