Gary Arthur Cook
May 6, 1935 - December 11, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father/daddy Gary. He passed away on December 11th in the care of Granada Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Eureka.

Our father was born on May 6, 1935 at the Scotia Hospital to Arthur and Frances (Still) Cook. He was an only child and adored by his parents.

He was a company man with the Pacific Lumber Company, first in the mill then into the main office, where he eventually worked as the personnel director. He was an integral part of the annual PL Christmas Party for the children of all employees. We could hardly wait to pick out our gift and receive our jar of candy — one of the special contributions that our company-owned town (Scotia) provided for our families throughout the years.

Our father enjoyed family time at his parents home in Miranda when we were growing up. The car doors would open and the 4 of us kids would just run to play: rope swings, hammocks, shop, feed the chipmunks, pick huckleberries, hike to have an ice cold cup of spring water in the creek and we will never forget meals on the outdoor patio.

We would also go as a family to watch my brother Jon race motocross. Always an adventure for us, great family time and memories.

Dad was a lifelong 49er and Giants fan. We had the honor of taking him to many games. He and mom would love to ride the ferry to San Francisco to watch the Giants. Dad enjoyed golfing. He was a member at Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club in Fortuna.

After retirement dad would enjoy having coffee with his friends, including Angelo Bettiga, one of his dear friends from our days in Scotia growing up.

He attended Scotia Elementary School, Fortuna High School and San Jose State. Our father worked in his early years at Pacific Bell Phone Company and finished his career with The Pacific Lumber Company for over 30 years.

Our father was married to our mom Marie for almost 67 years, he was preceded in death by our mom who passed away on February 26, 2023. They were married at the Scotia Catholic Church on November 24, 1957. They moved to San Jose where they had their children and met their lifelong friends and Ohana — the Carvalho and Rodrigues Family. Our parents cherished all of their friendships very much and treated them as family.

Thank you to the following for the compassion they showed to our father. Granada Rehabilitation & Wellness and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Gary was preceded in death by his adoring parents Art and Frances Cook, his father and mother in law Albert and Emma Abare. His loving dog Missy and lifetime friend Fred Depucci. He leaves behind his daughter Maryanne (Harry), sons Jon (Kim), Mike and Tom (Lisa). Four grandchildren: Kristy (Adam), Lexy, Nathanael, Austin. Great-grandson Beau.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the Humane Society for our father’s love of dogs.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gary Cook’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.