Close to 200 people turned out for a quiz and silent auction honouring a father-of-three who died suddenly this summer.Residents from “all walks of life” turned up for the fundraiser last month, contributing $40,000 to an educational fund set up for Gareth Hendrickson’s sons.Patricia Hendrickson said she had no idea her late husband had touched so many until people began showing up for the event, which featured a pub quiz and a silent auction hosted by radio personalities Sherri Simmons and Mike Bishop.The turnout was so unexpected staff had to bring out more tables and chairs to accommodate the standing-room only event, Mrs Hendrickson said.“It was phenomenal,” Mrs Hendrickson said. “I didn’t realise how many people he had touched. Everyone said the same thing, he just had that kind of personality. If he met you, he stayed with you.”Proceeds from the fundraiser, coupled with a bank account she set up after her husband’s untimely death, had already paid for her children’s education this year, she said.Co-workers from both Mrs Hendrickson’s job at Montpelier Re and Mr Hendrickson’s former employers, MS Frontier Re and Endurance, came together and organised the event.Mr Hendrickson passed away in July this year at the age of 39.A statement from the fundraising committee thanked the community for their support: “On July 20, 2013 Bermuda lost a devoted husband, father, loving son, brother, cousin, uncle, a faithful friend and colleague in Gareth Hendrickson. He left behind his wife Patricia and three sons — Malcolm, Nicholas and Christopher. He touched so many of our lives in different ways that we asked ourselves, ‘How can we as a community give back to this lost son in appreciation for all his contributions and support to us’?“On Monday, September 23, 2013 a Trivia Quiz Night was held which was both educational and fun. This night would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment from you the ‘Community’ to help make it a success. It also helps to fulfil Gareth’s long-term educational goal for his sons.”