Kit S. Kapp

Kapp, Kit S.
Aug. 4, 1926 - Nov. 23, 2013
Kit S. Kapp, 87, of Nokomis, FL, beloved husband of Valerie and son of the late Amor S. Kapp and Loretta Hohmann Kapp of Cincinnati, OH died on Nov. 23, 2013 as the result of an accident.
Kit was drafted into the Army in 1944, spending a year in the occupation of Japan before returning to the Universtiy of Cincinnati to continue his studies. During his time at UC he found time to climb Mt. Whitney and other peaks, travel through Central America in an old Model "A" Ford, resulting in several adventures in Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, etc. He started a small business producing model steam boats, and also indulged his passion for antique firearms. He became a Life Member of the National Association of Muzzle Loaders and the NRA. He graduated from UC with a degree in Business Administration in 1950.
Upon graduation, and having little sailing experience, Kit bought a 40 ft. Chesapeake "Bugeye" in Hampton, VA and sailed to the Virgin Islands. He made St. Thomas his home for the next 15 years and was one of the pioneers to start a yacht charter business in the islands. He later purchased a 50 ft. Alden ketch, the "Fairwinds," and under the auspices of the Explorers' Club of New York led several exploratory expeditions to various regions of Central and South America. One of his favorite places to visit was the San Blas Islands of Panama where he enjoyed spending time with the Kuna Indians and learning their culture. This interest eventually resulted in a book Kit wrote on "Mola Art." He also was a co-author of "A Cruising Guide to the Caribbean" first published in 1976.
Kit crossed the Isthmus of Panama by foot on two occasions, traveling over jungle paths between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He and Valerie also traveled by canoe into the interior of Panama in order to make a collection of Choco Indian artifacts for the British Museum.
Having an affinity for maps and charts, Kit and Valerie eventually "swallowed the hook" in 1971 and decided to settle down in west Florida. There they started a business dealing in antique maps and prints which necessitated world travel. Kit wrote four books on the antique maps of Jamaica, Panama, Central America and Colombia. He and Valerie were inveterate travelers, spending several months each year in England (Valerie's native land) and other parts of the world.
Kit was a member (Emeritus) of the Explorers' Club, NY; Royal Geographical Society, London; Victory Club, London; Bath Club, Nokomis and the International Map Collectors Society (UK).
Kit is survived by his wife, Valerie; son, Eric Kapp; daughters, Sandra Labarre, Belinda MacLurg Battaglia and Carrie King; grandchildren, Erica, Amanda and Maria Kapp, Keenan and Oliver Battaglia, Alexander Labarre, Luke and Lauren Bowman and Joshua King; and a great grandson Andrew Kapp.
There will be no immediate services. A private burial at sea service and celebration of life for family members will be held in February.