Lasting Memories
Gary Cook
Nov. 20, 1948-Nov. 8, 2011
Los Altos, California
Gary Cook, of Los Altos, California, passed away on November 8, at the age of 62, too soon for those who knew and loved him. Devoted to his friends and family, equally inspired by art and Stanford football, he will be missed by his loving wife, Micki, her sons Brian and Alex, his brothers William (and Shannon) Cook, Robert (and Ana) Cook, and friends too numerous to mention.
A lifetime resident of the Bay Area, Gary grew up in Atherton, graduated from Stanford with the class of 1970, and earned his MBA at UCLA. There was no greater fan of Stanford Athletics, especially football and women's basketball. Gary was also an accomplished chef and a knowledgeable lover of the arts.
As president of Cook Properties, Gary ran a commercial real estate business with his brothers. For 19 years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Peninsula Housing Corporation, a non-profit organization on the peninsula that develops and manages affordable housing. Gary had a penchant for discovering small theater and dance companies which he enthusiastically promoted among his friends and family. Among his favorites were The Crucible Fire Arts Festival in Oakland, the wall-dancing of Flyaway Productions in the Mission district and Intersection, a SF theater group.
Friends gathered on Sunday, November 13 to celebrate his life. The family suggests that anyone wishing to honor Gary's memory, can make a donation to the Lymphoma Research Funds for Dr. Ranjana Advani, Stanford Cancer Center, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive , Stanford, CA 94305 or by calling 866.543.0243.
Jan. 22, 2014
I really liked Gary!! I worked for him in the late 80's. He was funny, had a very quick wit and easily mixed with everyone, whether it was at the Dutch Goose over a Goose Burger or a fancy Palo Alto restaurant. Heck, he embodied Kipling's poem in that he was super smart yet never lost "the common touch". I'll never forget his electric smile and kind way. God bless you Gary for coming into my life. You were kind and gracious. Love Ya man, Mark
Feb. 20, 2012
I remember Gary from the late 1980's when he and a group of his friends were in my horse back riding class at Fremont Hills Stables in Los Altos Hills. We all adored our riding instructor Gitza and as a group we had many good times going out to dinner after the lessons or going to horse shows. I think I have some pictures somewhere and will send them if I can find them. I lost track of him but did occasionally see him in Los Altos.