“Scoop” Kiesel: A man for all seasons
One of the most colorful and respected men on Fort Myers Beach, Charles “Scoop” Kiesel, was honored Tuesday, July 27, when more than 40 of his friends and colleagues showed up at Doc Ford’s to celebrate his 90th birthday.
While much has been written about Kiesel in local newspapers, his
ever-present voice as the Deacon at Church of the Ascension has given him ample publicity it is still a distinct pleasure to see him in person. The years have not diminished Scoop’s reputation as a raconteur extraordinaire, and those at the luncheon were treated to not only a warm, meaningful affair but also were treated to an impromptu history of San Carlos Island and the shrimp docks.
Before his long tenure as a Catholic Deacon, Kiesel owned and operated several shrimp boats with other family members. His knowledge of this subject during the heyday of the industry in and around Estero and San Carlos Islands is legendary.
“Not many folks know that this very building (referring to the waterfront, Doc Ford’s) was an ice house for the shrimping industry back when all the boats required ice to keep the shrimp catch fresh until they could get back to the docks. All the boats are now equipped with refrigeration but not when my family plied these waters,” explained Kiesel, before quoting a wistful poem about “ships that go down to the sea” and moving attendees with an anecdotal story about Jesus “stilling the waters.”
One interesting aside was the presence of Kiesel’s son, “Scoop Jr.” who was
actually forced by Fidel Castro to participate in the infamous Mariel boatlift,
depicted in the movie “Scarface” and examined in the short story, “The Scoop on Marial”, written by local author, Carl Conley. In that tale, Scoop Jr.’s local shrimp boat was commandeered by Casto’s government and forced to board and transport hundreds of disaffected Cubans to Key West where they were patrieated into the US.
Kiesel’s wife, Lenore, and other family members were also present as were many members from the Church. “Scoop is one of the most historically knowledgeable men on the Beach”, said Church volunteer Jim Stevens, who organized the casual affair and introduced the Deacon.
Long-term resident Fran Santini, showed up to pay her respects and was one of the few people present that raised her hand when Kiesel asked “does anyone know” and launched into a litany of almost, but not quite, forgotten seamen who founded our community.
It was a touching affair and a fitting honor for a man who has long served our community as a fisherman, juvenile case worker, Fire Commissioner, Deacon and, now, keeper of our local lore.
-submitted by Karen Mills