Brett David Gerken 56 of Port Orange FL a long-time resident of the greater Daytona area passed away December 24 2009 in a tragic accident. He was born May 23 1953 in Newburgh NY to Jack and Gretchen Gerken and relocated to the Daytona area at the age of five. As a young boy Brett spent many hours fishing from the Main Street Pier and hanging out at Ramsey's Tackle Shop where he met many of his long-time friends. Brett graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1971 and attended the University of Florida. After college he obtained his Captains License and operated a charter fishing boat named "The Teaser". He later obtained his Real Estate License and worked for a brief period with Key Realty. In 1978 he married his late wife Renee and in the 1980's he started his own residential construction business. Brett had a true love of nature and was an avid fisherman. He was a devoted husband and father and his family was his true passion. He was loved by many and will be truly missed by all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Courtney Lauren Gerken and mother Gretchen Shutt of Port Orange FL; brother Kip Gerken and his wife Karen and their daughter Jamie of Warner Robins GA; aunt Janet Gerken of Ormond Beach; cousins David Gerken and wife Alice Barbara McLaughlin and husband Thomas and cousins Lisa and Nancy Gerken. A memorial service will be held at the Casements 25 Riverside Drive Ormond Beach FL on Sunday January 3 2010 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Courtney Gerken Memorial Fund at Reunion Bank 3615 Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange FL 32129.