Born March 24, 1981 in Baltimore, Maryland, Derek Salisbury lived a full, dynamic life in his 44 years on earth. He was a force of generosity, hilarity, and compassion that cannot be adequately described in words. And while his time with us was far too short, his impact was infinite. Derek is survived by (me) his wife Caitlin Haynes and our 6 year old daughter Tilden as well as numerous beloved family members and friends. 

Derek grew up in and around the Baltimore area surrounded by his loving family — including a hilarious, no nonsense grandmother, a strong-willed but gentle father, three siblings (Aaron, Heather, and Sean), and a host of incredible cousins, aunts, and uncles. In his late teens and early twenties he “turned wrenches” as a mechanic, apprenticed tattooing, and even instructed scuba diving in St. Croix for a time, before eventually graduating from Towson University with a degree in history. He then headed to the University of Vermont for his Master’s degree in the same field and the University of Maryland to pursue a history PhD in 2013. Derek was passionate about the social and cultural history of the U.S., but if you asked him, nothing before 1900 was interesting because “the 19th century was trash” — something he and and I (his wife), whom he met in the history department, fiercely disagreed on. While at UMD, he embarked on another career change — this time to pursue a long-held passion in gaming — working for a few years in sales, branding, and marketing for Bethesda Softworks, 505 Games, and most recently, Striking Distance Studios/KRAFTON.

To his colleagues in the gaming industry, he was “uncompromising in his convictions, generous in spirit, and deeply passionate about video games.” He “stood as a steady and inspiring force, showing up each day as a leader who fought for what mattered.”

To his friends, he was unwavering in his loyalty and kindness. Derek entertained us all with his sarcasm, dry wit, and a deep appreciation for heavy metal, astronomy, Nic Cage, and of course, the Orioles. He was the first to offer support and advice, lovingly poke fun at your insecurities, and debate brilliantly on any topic.

And to his family, he was just, everything. He loved deeply and without reservation, relishing in the everyday magic of silliness and laughter, and never hesitating to express just how much he adored us for all our idiosyncrasies. As everyone knows, his deepest and truest love was for our daughter, Tilly. From the first moment he saw her, to the dance parties he had with her as a toddler, to their rock out sessions in the garage fixing up things, he worshipped every second being her dad. Frankly, he loved everyone's kids. He was the best uncle and father figure to all the littles around him. And I felt it too. Our story was a fairytale type of love that I never dreamed would be something I’d get the chance to experience. We talked often about how lucky we were and how much we adored the life we built together. Our dreams were big and bright and truly just beginning. Derek was a relentlessly committed partner, my fiercest supporter, my best friend, and the greatest love I’ve ever known. 10000 years with him would not have been enough but 11 was far too short to even conceive of. In my deepest despair, I am comforted by the fact that we cherished the rarity of our love and gave each other and our daughter our all. I will miss and love you forever, babe, and pray that one day I will see you again. 

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