Forest Dale Cook

Forest, born December 6, 1944, was the son of Ruthie Gathright and Dale Cook. Sadly, Forest never knew his father who was killed in action just days before his birth. Ruthie later married James K Presnal who then became his father.

Forest got his Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Land Management from the University of Texas in 1967. He then went on to obtain his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center in 1970. He returned to Austin upon graduation and started his law practice where he specialized in real estate and family law matters for his entire career right up until his death. Besides helping people negotiate the challenges of family law issues, Forest had a love of life outside of his practice. In earlier years he was actively involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin. In later years his passion for volunteering turned towards Austin Smiles. He served for a time as the Board President and had remained active on the board for over 20 years.

Forest is predeceased by his mother and father, James K and Ruthie and his youngest brother, Robert. He is survived by his daughter, Whitney Cook Papadatos, her husband Tom, their sons Taso and Phil, all of Longwood, FL in addition to his aunt Marsha Gathright Jensen, of Austin, and his brother, James K Presnal Jr. and his wife, Sirje, of Tallinn, Estonia.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, January 24th at 3:00pm at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin. A celebration of Forest’s life will follow from 7-9:00pm at Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Forest be made to Austin Smiles - austinsmiles.org or St. David’s Episcopal Church - stdave.org.