Tribute to a champion of marine resources

Chris Koepfer was known for his minimal words, deadpan humor and enormous knowledge of Lee County's marine resources.

"There is really nothing artificial about an artificial reef," the Lee County Natural Resources supervisor told me the last time I wrote about the recreational reefs, 18 of which are in the Gulf with two in Charlotte Harbor.

Typical Koepfer — the basic yet insightful answer to a reporter's first question never escaped him. Of course, he'd go on to explain in laymen's terms exactly what he meant.

"Once the material leaves the barge and begins its residence on the seafloor it becomes something else entirely," said Mr. Koepfer, who tended to the reefs for 18 years as attentively as he tended to his wife and two children. "It is no longer a bridge or a culvert or a rock; it becomes something far more productive, a substrate for living organisms. A place for animals and plants to begin their lives, to eat, hide, sleep, grow up, reproduce and die. It becomes a home."

Mr. Koepfer, who died last week at age 48 from cancer, will be remembered for the ease that he explained the artificial reef program he created that garnered recognition statewide, nationally and internationally.

COURTESY PHOTO Chris Koepfer created Lee County's artifical reef program. Without him, we would not have the extensive fishing and diving opportunities that we do. He's personally responsible for more than 130 reefs here, including those 20 designed for recreational pursuits.

He'll also be remembered for his dedication and knowledge regarding derelict vessels, those unsightly abandoned boats that littered our waterways more frequently before Mr. Koepfer handled the removal program. He's credited with getting 400 of them from the seawater to the landfills.

He's known as well for overseeing millions of grant dollars that helped create environmental education programs for children, improved navigational channels for Lee County boaters and enhanced onwater law enforcement.

But when I think of him, I'll think of the guy who spoke only when he had something to say. Who didn't like to be in the paper or tout his good deeds, only those of his programs. Who looked at peace when skippering a boat, be it for work or with his family on the Keys vacations he, wife Dee and daughters Kara and Ericka so enjoyed. Who would make a joke in which I was the butt, but it would take multiple seconds for that fact to sink in.

Subtle. Passionate. Smart. And slightly curmudgeonly, in a good way.

That's how I remember this angler, diver, public servant — and fighter. Many a friend and colleague were shocked to hear cancer beat him. He was only diagnosed last year; he never complained about how he felt or his medical treatments.

"He taught me more about the Gulf of Mexico than anyone would ever want to know," said Justin McBride, his colleague of eight years. "I will never forget singing the 'Sponge Bob Square Pants' theme song as we headed out to do reef surveys."

OK, that is something Mr. Koepfer might have wanted to forget. But his wit always was present. You could tease him about not talking much, about being skeptical, about how he'd yell at kids to get off his lawn. He wore the cantankerous label proudly, said Mr. McBride, an optimist who often spoke double the amount of words Mr. Koepfer did on any given day.

"We really complemented each other nicely in the work environment," Mr. McBride said. "He was the best curmudgeon I have ever known, and I miss him terribly."

His boss, Steve Boutelle, will, too. So will anyone whose life Mr. Koepfer touched. It sounds cliché, but feels true — his actions spoke louder than words.

Even trying to find a photo to accompany this column was challenging, despite the many times he was quoted. "He liked to be on the other end of the lens," Mr. Boutelle said.

Simply put; so true. • The Koepfer Education Fund is being established at Florida Gulf Bank, 2247 W. First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, for those who want to make contributions.

— Betsy Clayton is a freelancer based on Pine Island and also is Lee County Parks & Recreation's waterways coordinator. Contact her at boatingbybetsy@ yahoo.com.