My deepest condolences for your family. my childhood memories of you and your family will last forever. All of us had a great childhood and I’ll always remember the horses are family had

I will always remember Michael as a gentle giant. While he definitely looked and could easily play the role of a tough guy, at heart he was a truly kind and caring soul filled with good intentions. I knew this by the way he cared about his friends and cherished his horses. 

Although I haven't seen Michael since I moved to Florida in 2006, he always kept in touch. In fact, he was the person who consoled me the most when my only sibling passed away in February (2023).

I find it pure and admirable that Michael found his place on Earth in the natural and tranquil environment of horses. I hope that he finds eternal beauty, joy, and peace in the realm of Heaven. 


Michael, Michael,…. What can I say. You were a buddy, pal, musician friend, a chipper, happy, jokester. You were always positive and good spirited. Always calling to fill me in on the ranch, horses, women and life’s drama and joys of hard work. You were always concerned with how I’m doing. We laughed, chuckled, gossiped and told tall tales! Yes indeed …., 

I’m gonna miss my friend, pal, brother from another Motha!!! Wish we could have done more. Music was always our topic of choice. Horses second. Life was just too short…., thank you for being a dear friend. . Thank you for always inviting me to play with your few bands that you got together because of your kind big hearted charm, warmth and way with inviting words. 
You were one of the first music people that invited me into your world, when I move from Silicon Valley to LA in ‘95…. Your band was so-so, but you were always too kind, so I kept up the friendship, mutually. You were always on the up! (I’m finding out now) Maybe it was all the sugar? 

Thank you for checking in on my Mom when she was near you in Lake Elsinore….
I hope you were not unhappy, lonely or alone, because you never showed that part of yourself ……
Sorry I didn’t get my place done in time, for you to live in the back house. It was just too short,……. life….   

Till we meet again ….. 
may your journey be swift. 
May your spirit be strong. May your tall tales be just a drop in the bucket from God’s laughter at your outrageousness. You were kind, bottom line., to me at least and that’s all I can speak about. You meant no harm. 

A friend always…. 
See you on the other side! 
RIP Michael Guisseppie (Jeffrey) Foti 

Sincerely, Almario Mark Aviles
(Michael always called me-Mario Brothers)

Foti, thank you for trusting me with your babies, we had some great horsey adventures I will never forget ❤️

Foti loved dragging his arena, I always went home with a face full of dirt😂

When I think of Foti, it’s always on his beloved gelding Cosmo, those two always had a special bond❤️


What a profound shock... Michael Foti had died. 

I find this hard to believe, even weeks later. Michael, standing tall at 6'4", was a man of vigor, barely falling ill, rarely seeking medical help. The invincibility we all saw might, unfortunately, have been his downfall. 

Our paths hadn't crossed for some years, save a recent phone call. He and our mutual friend, Ben, reached out not long before his passing. It was a pleasant catch-up, and Michael, as ever, was upbeat, humorous, and positive.

A mere week later, news arrived that Michael had suffered a stroke and was in the ICU, later moved to rehab. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful, the information limited due to privacy policies. Then, Ben texted the news - Michael had died. The blow was devastating, perhaps for you, too.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. May you find comfort in your grief.

I'll never forget my first encounter with Michael. My law school roommate introduced us, and Michael, in his unique style, walked in, smashing a pie into his face for laughs! Unforgettable!

Our memories, mostly good, linger on.

Thanks, Mike, for introducing me to a world of horse ranching and barrel racing, and for memorable rides in the high desert. Your camaraderie during our Hunter Safety Course and numerous trips to shooting ranges are unforgettable. You sparked my interest in photography and even worked part-time for me and other attorneys.

I'll miss our shared meals at Torung and the luncheon buffets. These were indeed good times.

Above all, thanks for the laughter, Michael. 



Michael invariably got up early, loaded his gear and horses and arrived at Caspers Park hours before his friends showed up.  He said he did that so his horses had time to rest after the drive to the park and to have enough time to get them ready for a ride over the gentle hills and valleys of the park.  Here he is riding with Ronnie, a friend who rode with him for many years.

Michael greatly enjoyed riding with his friends because the social interaction with people was important to him.  Needless to say, his friends greatly enjoyed his company before, during and after riding.  Here he is with Lynda, Len and Jackson in Caspers County Park.

Michael often said that he loved watching young horses develop into reliable, well-behaved adults

Michael cared deeply for all of his horses.  He took great pleasure in exercising, feeding, training and riding them  Here he is with Jackson, a strong, energetic, young  fellow.

Michael took this picture of himself while riding CJ in Caspers Park

I want to extend my condolences to Michael’s family.  I met Micheal through horses and quickly learned he was a character.  He had an innate way of making people laugh and I will always cherish the memories. He was kind, funny, free spirited, and loved animals.  Above all he treasured his friends and was always sure that you knew how much he appreciated you.  I am saddened by his passing and left in a state of shock.  May the Lord receive him with open arms and hand him a good horse to ride. 

I met Michael almost 25 years ago.  I leased his horse Pebbles at Far West Farms in Del Mar.  Our mutual interest in horses and riding served as the basis of a long-lasting friendship.  We continued to stay in touch (staying in touch with friends was one of Michael’s endearing strengths) as he moved from Del Mar to Fallbrook, San Marcos, Lake Elsinore and Homeland.  I visited him at each location.  He always expressed an interest in what I was doing, how work was going, etc.  More recently, we enjoyed almost monthly horseback rides together at Caspers Wilderness Park, Michael hauling Coco for me and either CJ or Jackson for him to ride.  Those were wonderful days filled with beautiful weather, fabulous rides and great discussions over our traditional picnic that followed each ride.  I sincerely miss his big welcoming hug upon my arrival and a heartfelt hug at the end of each visit.  Michael took great joy in all of his friends.  His passing is a true loss for me.  I hope that there are horses, for Michael’s sake, wherever he now rests.

Michael, when I needed a friend, you were there! You handed me a bass guitar, and next I am playing in a band! Before long I am galloping on horseback! You have been a hub of excitement, and a connection point to so many friends! There will be a void in my life. Thank you for the experience of knowing you!

You were a character, definitely one of a kind! Happy trails my friend.

My deepest heartfelt condolences to family and all his loved ones. 
The Lord above opened his arms to embrace and welcome Michael into the beautiful wide open space of the heavens above. Your dear brother Michael is now free to look down upon and love you without a care in the world, for he has joined up with our God, to be his wingman, a warrior , reaching down to help guide you, and provide you with an absolute abundance of true, pure and everlasting love. Michael lives on forever, in your heart, in your mind, his heart, it didn't stop beating, but rather, it spread like a storm cloud  and those drops spread and fell amongst all the hearts he touched, so that they all may carry along a part of him, for all of the days to come. That smile wasn't just contagious, that smile had power beyond belief, power capable of carrying all to and through any and all challenges that they could ever be presented with and endure, that smile brought stability and support and an influence and effect more positive and powerful than some could imagine or believe. Your buddy brother Michael is now at complete and total peace. 
Michael was a very dear Friend, that left a big imprint in my heart. 
He loved his family, his horses, and his friends. 
He is gone too soon, I will miss him terribly! 
I pray that the Lord will reunite us again in Heaven’s beautiful peaceful prairies riding beautiful horses. 
Rest in Heaven’s Peace my beautiful good hearted friend, till we meet again.


I met Michael almost 20 years ago in Del Mar and leased his horse, Jubilee.  We stayed in touch throughout the years and last saw him at his home in Homeland last Spring.  Michael reignited my love for horses and was extremely generous and patient getting me back in the saddle. Forever grateful for his friendship, years of trail rides, good food and music.   

"The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears." – Arabian Proverb


Michael    I have known you all my life. You and your brothers and your mom  and dad.  My heart is.bleeding now . I can't believe I won't hear from you again. Love you Karen 

Michael with two of his earlier horses, Jubilee & Cosmo.  I'll always cherish our time together and the wonderful trail rides!   See you on the other side, my friend.

May 1996... Michael as rhythm guitarist. With Benny on drums and Brian on bass. We will miss you. I weirdly do, even though you were a total ass, Yeah, I said it.... still luv you though.

She just had to have Uncle Mikes boots on. 

From Joey Marotta II
Long time friend of Mike.
I miss you now and forever.
We shared music, food, the sea, cameras.etc.

Hully Gully May 1996
Rock on Michael
Love
Zowie

I was so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Although I have not seen Michael for so many years I always remember the fun times I had with him. I remember when he took photographs of me for large size modeling when I was about 29. They were some of the most beautiful photos I have ever had, he had a knack for making people laugh and being thoughtful and kind. Although, he was a friend of my brother Brent , I also thought of him as a friend of mine in those days .May your wonderful memories of him comfort you and all that mourn him . I am so sorry for the loss  of such a vibrant soul. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and his friends.
Mindy Turner

OBITUARY

Michael Jeffrey Foti

December 2, 1954 – July 14, 2023

Show your support

Visit the Cemetery

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services

Final Resting Place

Michael Jeffrey Foti

Morning Star Terrace Lawn