Brett Behrens, 46, of Clearlake, Calif, left the life, family and friends that he loved on Dec. 18, 2008, and continued on to a better place where the limitations that bound him on earth can no longer restrain him from the dreams and ambitions he strived for.

He was born in Lakeport, Calif., on June 29, 1962, to Hugo and Willa Mae Behrens.

Brett was a longtime resident of Lake County. He graduated from Lakeport High School in 1980 where he made lifelong friends, was active in sports – his favorite being tennis – and voted most spirited for his graduating class. He then went on to Arizona State University where he received a bachelor of arts degree in communications.

Brett’s biggest passion in life was photography which he had done for over 20 years until his eyesight recently failed him.

During those years as a photojournalist, he photographed everyone from the King of Sweden to Joe Montana and events such as the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and the Democratic National Convention.

In addition to working and contributing to many newspapers and publications such as the Associated Press, www.lakeconews.com, Lake County Record-Bee and Ukiah Daily Journal, Brett also owned his own portrait photography studio in Lakeport and then in Ukiah.

Brett was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, working as the advancement chair for the Lake District. He organized the district Web site and helped to organized and start two Boy Scout units within the county. He also played a very active role in the Clearlake Pack No. 144 and Troop No. 44.

He leaves behind his fiancée Peggy Engstrom, son Cody Engstrom, daughter-in law Kim Engstrom, his new grandson Logan Michael Engstrom, future mother-in-law Mignon Perry and many, many friends.

Brett lived everyday of his life to the fullest and truly knew how precious life was and how the little things that most people take for granted are the true blessings. He considered the life he was living as his “Second Life,” not a life that he had expected, not one that was fair and one that many times could be cruel, but nevertheless the one he was dealt and the one he would make the best out of.

He was truly and inspiration and everyone he knew will truly miss him.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Ukiah and Lake County Davita Dialysis Centers which always treated Brett with love and respect; the St. Helena Hospital Clearlake Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, whose care and support helped not only before Brett’s death but after; and to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and LCCOA for their support following Brett’s death.

A memorial will be held for Brett in May 2009; details will run in the local newspapers.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that family and friends bring plants or seeds to the memorial.

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