Derv Fortenberry grew up and attended high school in Laramie, Wyoming. After he graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1960, where he studied to become a pharmacist, Derv went to work in Walla Walla.

                Five years later, the year 1965 became an important year for Derv. He attended his very first Elgin Stampede, he moved his wife, Peggy, and their two daughters, Denise and Therese from Walla Walla to Elgin, and bought the Elgin City Drug Store from Walt Stringham, who was one of the original Elgin Stampeders.

                 In 1970 Derv bought 160 acres in Elgin and raised Appaloosa horses and some cattle. Some of Derv's favorite activities include archery, hunting, fishing, camping, trail riding, rodeos, traveling, golfing, and family get-togethers.

                Derv has been an active member of the Elgin community in many ways and for many years.  He was elected to the city council in 1967 and was elected as mayor in 1969. He has been a member of the Elgin Stampede, a member of the square dance club, Elgin Chamber of Commerce member, past president of the original Lyons Club and JC's, a member and caller of the Indian Valley Parader's, and is an active member of the catholic church.

                Derv helped to get the Elgin Community Center and Pool in Elgin and was the very first one in the new pool when the general contractor and the architect threw him in, clothes and all. Derv also worked with the Chamber of Commerce to get an all Indian Rodeo in Elgin, which turned out to be a huge success.

                Derv, along with his wife Peggy, encouraged people to stop in Elgin by promoting Swiss storefronts for businesses in Elgin, as we are the gateway to the Wallowa's, which are known as the Little Switzerland of America. For forty years Derv owned Derv's Drug and for thirty of those years he worked side by side with his pharmacist assistant, Sharon Glasson.

                After 44 happy years of marriage, Derv lost Peggy in the year 2000. 

                Derv and Peggy's daughter, Denise, married Tim McDaniel and they have three boys together. Their daughter Therese married Bob Wiles and they have four girls. Bob and Therese are both active members of the Elgin Stampede. Two of Derv's granddaughters, Chelsie Wiles Evans and Hailey Wiles, have been Queens for the Elgin Stampede.

                In 2002 Derv married Dona Schram and between the two of them they have eight children, 20 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

                Derv has always promoted the Elgin Stampede and Timber Carnival and was instrumental in getting the merchants to dress western during the week of stampede. He also announced the Elgin Stampede parade for many years.

                When asked how he felt about being chosen as Grand Marshall for the 2011 Elgin Stampede, Derv replied, "It means a lot to me, but I just thought they couldn't find anyone else."

                For those of you who know Derv, it is surely apparent why he was chosen to be this year's grand marshal. This man was busy helping to build Chute 9 and the VIP grandstands, from the roof mind you, just two years ago. With his support and hard work over the years it is obvious Derv is a man who truly deserves the honor of being the 2011 Elgin Stampede Grand Marshall.