From Laughter to Legacy - Captiva’s Jensen Family
The tribute from the Captiva Island Historical Society to the much-loved Jensen family was sold out long before the night of March 6. On that evening friends from near and far gathered at McCarthy’s Marina to celebrate the Jensens, who for over forty years ran the 
Twin Palms Resort on Captiva with the warmth and devotion that drew its guests to return year after year.
Red, Dave & John Jensen
The centerpiece of the evening was the premiere showing of the 10th documentary in the CIHS “Captiva Memories" series. Ken Sneeden, the writer, producer and director of the film evoked both the factual history and the generous, fun-loving spirit of the Jensen family. 
The audience, in record attendance, responded with rapt attention and frequent applause.
Highlights of the evening included Joey’s (famous) hot dogs, live country music from Corky’s band, and reconnecting musicians from around the world, 
especially friends of Jimmy Jensen, the musician in the family. The Jensen’s Twin Palms Resort always hosted musician friends for an annual music festival, and for spontaneous gigs throughout the year.
Before the film, the Jensen family once again orchestrated one of their absolutely unique Marching Mullet Band parades.
The film tells how Red Jensen, an aluminum siding salesman and entrepreneur, and his wife Betty moved their three sons and a daughter from Michigan to Captiva, where in 
1977 they bought Doane’s Twin Palms, a marina and collection of 1940’s cottages. Toiling seven days a week the whole family worked together to develop the resort. Dave Jensen said that the family's collaboration was so successful because it was based on total trust and caring for one another.
Stories of those forty years, both humorous and touching, form the basis of the 
documentary. Dave Jensen’s retirement and unexpected death in a village in Italy are sensitively covered. Brothers John and Jimmy also comment on their decision to retire and ultimately sell the Resort.
A cloudburst drenched the scene just as the documentary ended, but it did little to dampen the enthusiasm, as attendees departed, voicing phrases like, “Ken Sneeden really nailed it,” and “fabulous film,” and “I loved hearing again all that infectious Jensen laughter.”
Contributions to the Dave Jensen
Memorial Fund established by the Captiva Island Historical Society were used to fully underwrite production of "From Laughter to Legacy - Captiva's Jensen Family.”
The CIHS intends to continue to preserve Dave's memory and legacy through the Dave Jensen Memorial Fund by annually producing a CIHS program honoring Dave Jensen. Donations help fund future programs dedicated to Dave. A gift can be safely and conveniently donated conveniently and safely via the
link:
The Captiva Island Historical Society is grateful for the support of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as the presenting sponsor for the CIHS season’s programs.
Stream the documentary FREE from the CIHS YouTube channel.
