{"id":354939,"date":"2026-07-28T14:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T14:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/354939\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T14:43:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T14:43:12","slug":"former-mayor-remembered-for-legacy-of-dedication-love-sanibel-captiva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/354939\/","title":{"rendered":"Former mayor remembered for legacy of dedication, love – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nMyron \u201cMike\u201d and Evelyn Klein celebrate their 55th anniversary in December 1999 at Shell Point in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n

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\nAt left, Myron \u201cMike\u201d Klein assists with the release of a great blue heron, which he rescued from fishing line on Sanibel.<\/p>\n

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\nMyron \u201cMike\u201d Klein working at his pottery wheel.<\/p>\n

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\nFrom left, Evelyn Klein, Stanley and Rosslyn Klein, and Myron \u201cMike\u201d Klein.<\/p>\n

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\nMyron \u201cMike\u201d Klein and his dog, Candy.<\/p>\n

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\nMyron \u201cMike\u201d Klein with the night vision scope that he helped invent for the U.S. military.<\/p>\n

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Myron \u201cMike\u201d Klein, 107, of Fort Myers and formerly Sanibel, passed away on July 9, 2026.<\/p>\n

A man of remarkable wisdom, resilience and warmth, he was a visionary leader, devoted public servant and passionate conservationist who played an important role in shaping the island as it is known today. Klein served on the Sanibel City Council from 1980-88, including terms as vice mayor and mayor from 1982-83 and from 1987-88.<\/p>\n

\u201cMyron \u2018Mike\u2019 Klein helped lay the foundation for the Sanibel we know. His leadership, foresight and commitment to protecting this island shaped our community in lasting ways,\u201d Mayor Mike Miller said in a prepared statement. \u201cOn behalf of the city council and the entire Sanibel community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike\u2019s family and loved ones. We are grateful for his extraordinary life of service and the legacy he leaves behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein was born on June 17, 1919, in Rochester, New York, to Benjamin Klein and Ethel Cohen Klein. He was one of three children and his father was a cobbler. Growing up during the Great Depression, Klein showed skills and a talent for craftsmanship at a young age by making his own toys, his family shared. He graduated from Monroe High School and served as the social chairman for his senior class, which foreshadowed his innumerable friendships and gregarious nature throughout the decades.<\/p>\n

Klein attended the University of Rochester and graduated with a degree in physics. While attending college, he met his future wife, Evelyn Theis, at the library. She was working there as a librarian.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were very much into the outdoors \u2014 skiing, winter sports, camping,\u201d nephew Dr. Robert Silverman. \u201cTwo peas in a pod.\u201d<\/p>\n

After graduate work and a short career at Eastman Kodak, Klein enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944. He and Evelyn were also married in the early 1940s. Klein underwent basic training at Fort Riley in Fort Riley, Kansas. During World War II, he quickly moved from infantry training to the Engineer Research and Development Laboratories (ERDL) in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Klein was discharged in the late 1940s, but he continued to work for the military as a civilian scientist and engineer until his retirement.<\/p>\n

Serving as associate director alongside Director Dr. Robert S. Wiseman, they led the team of scientists at the U.S. Army Night Vision Lab that developed the image intensifier tube, which became the basis for modern night vision equipment. His family noted that Klein\u2019s work has saved thousands of military lives and has applications in everyday use. Today, the facility is known as the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD).<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knew physicists from all over the world,\u201d Silverman said, adding that his uncle received numerous scientific accommodations and awards. \u201cIt all goes back to him and his brother building telescopes.\u201d<\/p>\n

After retiring in 1974, Klein and his wife permanently moved to Sanibel. The family shared that the couple had been visiting the island since 1968 and would spend a lot of their time camping on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir love for Sanibel quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the community,\u201d the city reported.<\/p>\n

Formative years, Klein sat on the city councils that adopted numerous ordinances and resolutions that strengthened environmental protections, guided thoughtful growth, protected wildlife habitat, and helped establish the policies that continue to preserve Sanibel\u2019s unique character, according to the city. He also co-founded BIG ARTS and was instrumental in the completion of the City Hall on Dunlop Road in 1983.<\/p>\n

In 2019, the city celebrated Klein\u2019s 100th birthday, recognizing his lasting contributions to Sanibel. He also returned in 2024 as a guest of honor for the opening of the city\u2019s time capsule, reflecting on the community that he helped build and protect.<\/p>\n

Klein\u2019s family shared that plant and wildlife conservation was in his heart, and he loved animals large and small. Whether it was protecting burrowing owl habitat or releasing an errant great blue heron from fishing line, Klein was always ready to save the island\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fought tirelessly to retain the timeless, natural beauty of Sanibel \u2014 that was the impact that he had on the island,\u201d nephew Andrew Klein said. \u201cHe had an absolute love of animals. Animals took to him, animals knew he was safe \u2014 they gravitated to Uncle Mike.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the mid 1990s, Klein and his wife relocated to Shell Point in Fort Myers. His passion for pottery and ceramics flourished and made him a sought-after teacher and mentor. Klein also played a significant role in the care of all the orchids in the on-site greenhouse, and he was known for participating in many activities, including games of Rummikub. Klein\u2019s wife, Evelyn Theis Klein, passed away in 2001.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would talk on the phone every week, sometimes a whole hour at length. I got to hear his funny stories multiple times,\u201d Andrew Klein said. \u201cHe found humor is every aspect of everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that his uncle got along with everybody and appreciated a good conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a phenomenal long-term memory. He could recite poetry word for word,\u201d Andrew Klein said. \u201cHe was a man of integrity and truth. He was so sharp \u2014 he was extremely intelligent and smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein gave to over 30 charities in his lifetime.<\/p>\n

His family shared that his greatest pride and joy was his family. Klein was devoted to his wife and was the best surrogate father, cherished uncle and a proud great-great-uncle. His presence was a steady anchor for his nieces and nephews, and his lessons will continue to teach the family\u2019s next generations.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though he had no children, he was close to his nieces and nephews. He was always interested in what we were doing,\u201d Silverman said. \u201cI think he lived for our visits and for our telephone calls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a gentle man and he was a gentleman \u2014 funny, kind and smart,\u201d Andrew Klein added. \u201cI think he had a zest for life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Stanley Klein; and sister, Doris Silverman. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Dr. Robert (Pat) Silverman, Linda (Jerry) Herman, Andrew Klein, Abby Horowitz (Herb Bixhorn), and Penny (Jim) Deshur; great-nieces and nephews, Elliott, Bennett, David, Erika, Sandy, Mark, Brian, Jenna, Allie, Hannah, and Harris; and great-great-nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n

\u201cMike lived a life that spanned over a century of history, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication and unforgettable memories. He was a cornerstone of his family and community, known for his storytelling, occasional bawdy jokes, his enduring work ethic and his ability to find joy in the simple moments of life,\u201d the family shared. \u201cThroughout his 107 years, Myron witnessed the world change in ways few could imagine, meeting every era with grace, a sharp mind and a generous heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. at The Village Church at Shell Point, at 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers. Inurnment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.<\/p>\n

Memorial donations may be made in Klein\u2019s memory to the Legacy Foundation of Shell Point, BIG ARTS, or a favorite charity that supports health, nature or animal protection.<\/p>\n


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