Johannesburg - The local and international food industry is mourning the death of one of South Africa’s best-known chefs, Dr Billy Gallagher, who died in his sleep at the age of 67.
British-born Gallagher came to South Africa in 1973 and enjoyed an illustrious career in the hotel industry. He was the group food and beverage director for Southern Sun for 24 years, won many medals and awards on the competition circuit when he was younger, and was well respected here and abroad.
Gallagher will probably be best remembered for his tireless work in advancing the culinary knowledge of young people.
He was instrumental in establishing the first apprentice scheme for chefs in South Africa, and many of the country's chefs today are a testament to his mentorship. He also served as president of the SA Chefs Association for 20 years.
In March 2009, Gallagher was shot in his car during an attempted hijacking and as a result was paralysed, spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
But this setback didn't deter him from pursuing his goals, and he threw himself even more fervently into promoting South African chefs locally and abroad. He worked to equip young chefs with the skills and knowledge required to raise the standard of chefs in the industry.
Gallagher was involved in many charities. Notably, he was the co-convener of the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger, which raised thousands of rand for needy children.
He was also friends with the renowned French chef Paul Bocuse, and as a result South Africa was invited to take part in Bocuse D’Or competitions, which take place every two years in Lyon, France. Until 2005, Gallagher participated as a judge.
When my daughter Diane represented South Africa at the competition in 2009, Gallagher showed great support and encouragement.
A few weeks before the competition, her coach was involved in an accident and couldn't accompany her to the event. Gallagher worked tirelessly to find a replacement and made sure everything proceeded on track.
I loved reading his posts on Facebook, always so witty and pertinent to what was happening in the industry. I also recently read his biography, Lettuce and a Lady’s Breast, which gives a fascinating account of his life and gave me a real appreciation of just how much courage and determination it took for this talented man to pick up the pieces of his life and go on to be an inspiration to so many people, myself included.
You will be sorely missed, Billy Gallagher. RIP.
The Star