Herbert E. "Buddy" Behrens

Herbert E. “Buddy” Behrens, Jr. 86, of Bonita Springs died Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at his residence. Buddy was born March 1, 1929 in Fort Lauderdale, FL the son of the late Herbert E. and Evelyn (neé Welch) Behrens, Sr. He had been a resident of Bonita Springs since 1985 from Coral Gables, FL. Buddy started playing tennis at an early age with a racket he borrowed from his sister, Jean. By 1943, at the age of 14 he was traveling the country to play in tennis tournaments. His travels took him to River Forest, Cincinnati, New York, Cuba, Nassau and Valparaiso, Chile just to name a few. He was sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale as they considered him an ambassador for the city and the publicity they garnered was priceless. In 1947, he was ranked No. 1 in both the U.S. Junior Rankings and in the U.S. Interscholastic Ranking. Among Buddy’s many titles was the National Boys Championship coached by Slim Harbet. He also won the singles championship at the Cincinnati Master in 1948. As a junior, he won both the singles and double titles at the 1947 United States Junior Championship. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School where he excelled in tennis, basketball and baseball. He attended Rollins College where he played tennis. He met his wife, Peggy Jane Randol and they eloped in 1950. In 1979, Buddy was enshrined in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Hall of Fame and in 1994 the Rollins College Athletic Hall of Fame. After college he worked for FP&L and then went to work at National Title Insurance Company in Miami, FL as a mortgage banker eventually serving as Vice President. He was forced to retire in 1982 due to complication he suffered from a stroke. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan L. Powars and her husband, Link of Sterling, VA, Linda J. McBride of Vero Beach, FL and Liz Shikany and her husband, Bill of Bonita Springs, FL; 10 grandchildren, Adam, Virginia, Katie, Andrew, Forest, William, Peggy, Michael, Will and Megan. Buddy was also blessed with 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Moore of Fort Lauderdale, FL; nephew, Drew (Joey) Moore; niece, Julie Moore and numerous great nieces and nephews. Buddy was preceded in death by his wife; Peggy Jane Behrens; his son-in-law, Thomas M. McBride, his grandson, John Tully McBride; brother-in-law, Drew Moore and nephew, Richard Moore. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, July 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home 28300 Tamiami Tr. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in Buddy’s name be made to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice 27100 Imperial Pkwy., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or to the Rollins College Athletic Fund P.O. Box 864168, Orlando, FL 32886-4168. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home

Herbert E. "Buddy" Behrens

March 1, 1929 - June 30, 2015