Derek James Gallegos

In Loving Memory of Derek James Gallegos (1963-2024)

On Friday, September 6, 2024, Derek James Gallegos, loving husband and father of two, passed away peacefully at his home in Hailey, Idaho.

Derek, a culinary virtuoso whose passion for food transformed countless dining experiences, was born on November 7, 1963, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Derek lived a life rich in love, humor, food and wine. His unyielding spirit brought together many to break bread together. His journey began in a small kitchen with his Grandmother Inez, where he learned the art of cooking. His early years were marked by a deep connection to his “New” Mexico heritage, which he carried with him throughout his illustrious career.

Derek attended schools and participated in little league football in the Salt Lake City valley. He graduated from West High School and then enrolled at the University of Utah. He gravitated quickly to any job in a kitchen where he met many of his long-time friends. Derek’s father moved to Pocatello and started the first Mama Inez restaurant. Derek helped him with this opening and then helped his sister and brother-in-law, Danette and Mark Fisher, open the next Mama Inez in Ketchum, Idaho in 1987. Along with food, Derek loved mountain biking, trail running, camping, and fishing—all activities that the Wood River Valley offers. So, he decided to stay and in 1993 he and Mark opened The Sun Valley Brewery where Derek ran the restaurant. 

Derek’s love for cooking was matched only by his devotion to his family. On October 1, 2005, he married Andrea Lynn Palm, and they went on to have two children, Winston James and Ruby Inez, who were the light of his life. They enjoyed mountain biking, skiing, camping, fishing, road trips, and cooking together. Derek could be found playing his guitar, self-taught, in his home, at a campsite, in the car—just about anywhere. His passion for music is shared with many, especially his Salt Lake City friends, and he was never far from his beloved instrument. He was an avid reader, mostly of cookbooks. His collection exceeds 350 and as of late, he was perfecting his bread baking. Most people of the valley have had a slice or two, as he shared more loaves than he kept. 

Derek and Andrea opened Three TEN Main in 2007, a restaurant loved by its owners, employees and many loyal patrons. This small but exquisite dining house formed lifelong friendships. From Three TEN Main, Derek moved into a career with Sun Valley Company. Sun Valley quickly became another family for Derek with so many wonderful colleagues and learning experiences. Derek was not only executive chef in various locations for Sun Valley, but a mentor to many aspiring chefs, sharing his knowledge and nurturing talent with patience (mostly) and generosity. His impact on the culinary community extended beyond the kitchen. He also became a friend to all who dined at his tables.

Derek’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of many friends, colleagues, loved ones, and patrons who will remember him for his extraordinary talent, infectious enthusiasm, and generous spirit. 

Derek was preceded in death by his father, James (Jim) Gallegos, his brother-in-law, Mark Fisher and his stepfather, Norm Daluiso. He is survived by his wife Andrea, two children, Winston and Ruby, mother Judy Daluiso, sisters Danette Fisher and Cynthia Gallegos (Sean Flynn), half-brothers Jake (Sam), Jason (Jodie), Tommy Jon, his adult stepbrothers, David (Tracy), Brian (Kate), and many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of Derek’s life will be held at The Limelight Ballrooms at the Sun Valley Inn on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Higher Ground non-profit organization and Hospice Care of the Wood River Valley.

Derek James Gallegos’ presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy is a reminder of the importance of living with a strong sense of hope, a new sense of faith, a wonderful sense of humor and having really good olive oil.