The man who gave Bermuda?s some of its signature treats, sadly, passed away last week at the age of 79.

Yeaton Duval Outerbridge, creator of world renowned Outerbridge Sherry Peppers Sauce, died on January 31.

While he was best known as the ?Pepper Maker? he led a wide and varied life.

Mr. Outerbridge founded a tourism magazine, developed the Island?s signature liqueur Bermuda Gold, owned a liquor store and ran the sales department at Bermuda Paint Company among other things.

He was also well known on the Island for his involvement with sports.

Mr. Outerbridge managed the 1979 Bermuda Olympic sailing team in Montreal. He went on to be president of the Bermuda Olympic Association from 1986-88.

But by far what made Mr. Outerbridge a local celebrity was the infamous night he created a special blend of sherry and peppers that has delighted culinary critics for decades.

?Yeaton and his cousin Robbie, a seasoned restaurateur, responded to a need,? his son Doug said. ?It seems as though Robbie?s customers enjoyed the tasty effect from the pepper infused sherry that they poured into their fish chowder at Robbie?s Restaurant.?

Bermudians inherited the sherry pepper tradition from the Royal Navy. Sailors used to add it to their meals to mask the taste of food gone bad ? it added that bit of zest that made the meals bearable.

In an interview with the New York Times in 2003, Mr. Outerbridge said he and Robbie concocted the perfect blend in his basement one evening after a ?few bumpers?.

As they say, the rest is history.

The unique blend which uses 17 peppers and a variety of herbs has delighted locals, visitors and food enthusiasts for years.

Along with the New York Times article, Gourmet Magazine and Islands Magazine have written about the special sauce. Last year the sauce was a big success at the International Fancy Food Show. And, in 1993, it won a gold medal from ?Chef?s of America?.

The sauce, concocted in a basement, is now sold in speciality shops in the US and UK.

Mr. Outerbridge also took on the role of Bermuda Ambassador on many occasions. Recently he joined the Department of Tourism and showcased Bermudian Culture for the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

His son Doug, who prepared a tribute on behalf of the family, said his father wanted to spread the spirit of Bermudian hospitality and friendliness to the world.

Doug said his dad was a caring, wise man with a great sense of humour.

?Husband, father, visionary, entrepreneur, epicure, yachtsman, gentleman ? he will always be to many of us ? the one and only Yeaton Duval Outerbridge,? he said.

Mr. Outerbridge?s funeral will be held at the Holy Trinity Church today at 4 p.m.