Chef Billy Gallagher dies in South Africa

Social media has been flooded with tributes from fellow chefs and people in the industry after the passing of British born chef, Billy Gallagher, who died in his sleep on Thursday, 19 May.

Celebrity chef Brian Turner who has appeared on Saturday Kitchen and Ready, Steady Cook, said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Dr Billy Gallagher. One of the worlds true gentlemen & champion of SA chefs. Thinking of the family RIP x”

Chef Andrew Robertson said: “A sad day in the culinary world. RIP chef. Honoured to have worked with you. #BillyGallagher”

In a statement which  his family posted on Facebook, they said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Grandfather, Mentor and Friend Billy Gallagher, who passed in his sleep during the early hours of this morning. Billy will be sorely missed but will live on in all of our hearts.”

The South African Chefs Association also said: “We are all deeply saddened by the news of this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda, Mark and Ian and their families. We pray that our Lord brings you much needed peace and fond memories during this sad time.

“Chef. Mentor. Industry Icon. Author. Humanitarian.”

Billy Gallagher was born in Newcastle in 1948, he quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s iconic figures in the food and beverage industry when he moved to the country in 1973. As Group Food and Beverage Director for Africa's leading hotel chain, Southern Sun, Gallagher was responsible for the Food and Beverage development of many of the company’s properties.

A certified Master Chef from Westminster College in London, he also held an honorary doctorate in Culinary Arts from the University of Johnson and Wales in Miami in the United States.

He also spent five years as Chairman of the Board of the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg. He served as President of the South African Chefs Association for 20 years and was elected President of the World Association of Chefs Societies (spanning 90 countries and 10 million members) from 1996 to 2000.

Billy was Joint Convener of the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger charity programme and won numerous awards including honorary memberships during his career.