Gary Murchison Cook

Gary Murchison Cook was born on February 9, 1950, in Tucson, Arizona, the only child of Alice Murchison Cook and William Warren Cook. He passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at age 76, with his wife, Sandy, and beloved dog, Dora, by his side, following surgical complications.

Gary grew up in Tucson, AZ, and graduated from Rincon High School in 1968. He attended the University of Arizona, where he was an active member of Theta Tau fraternity and the ROTC, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Geological Engineering.

He married and began a career that took him around the world, including work in Arizona, Puerto Rico, Abu Dhabi, and California, where he loved to surf and where he welcomed his first daughter, Deborah, in 1977. Seeking greater stability, the family moved to Farmington, New Mexico, in 1978, and Gary began working for Utah International, later BHP, an Australian company.

In Farmington, Gary helped design a new mine near the Colorado border, with a focus on protecting water wells, the local environment for nearby residents and farmers, as well as the natural habitat. His second daughter, Karin, was born shortly after in 1980. Gary became the mine’s first safety manager, completing postgraduate training in rescue operations and becoming a Certified Safety Professional. Under his leadership, the mine received national recognition as one of the safest mines in the United States for more than 15 years. He also helped develop surface-mine rescue techniques in the western United States and was sent to audit the safety of BHP mines in Queensland, Australia, for many months. Gary successfully led his mine rescue team in competitions throughout the region for many years.

Gary was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Farmington and participated in mission work in Costa Rica, a place that would become a very special part of his life.

He loved being active and was always willing to take up a new sport. He enjoyed skiing, tai chi, yoga, and Tae Kwon Do, earning his black belt. He completed the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon twice, and also enjoyed fly fishing, windsurfing, swimming, rollerblading, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. He coached his daughter’s soccer team and cheered the girls on during their high school dance competitions. He supported both daughters as they graduated from Farmington High School and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

In 2006, Gary moved to Austin, Texas, where he reconnected with an old friend from high school, Karen Dickey. They shared a life together until Karen’s unexpected passing in 2010. Gary loved living the Austin lifestyle in a walkable area downtown, regularly attending music events and concerts, dancing, and swimming in nearby Deep Eddy Pool year-round. He was deeply committed to the environment and sustainability.

In 2006, Gary returned to Costa Rica, purchased a retirement property, and renovated a farmhouse. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could living the expat life and surfing. Gary fed many stray dogs who came to visit the farmhouse, and there were several dogs who made their home there over the years. His first service dog, Stuart Little, found Gary in Costa Rica. Gary loved having his family visit him in Costa Rica and introducing them to his favorite surfing beaches. He regularly traveled back-and-forth between Austin and Costa Rica for nearly 20 years.

Gary met Sandy Simon at a Meetup group event May 25, 2018. They quickly found that they enjoyed many of the same things, including live Austin music, swing and rock dancing, and local events. Together they made many trips to the Costa Rica homestead, where Gary continued to be an avid bodyboarder. They made happy memories as they enjoyed dining together and watching sunsets on the beach. On May 25, 2025 – 7 years to day they met – Gary and Sandy were married among family and friends in Bastrop, TX.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra Simon of Bastrop, Texas; daughters Deborah Rasband (Daniel) of Frisco, Texas, and Karin Haas (Blake) of Lewisville, Texas; grandchildren Rachel Rasband, Caleb Rasband, and Haley Haas; and his beloved service dog, Dora the Explorer.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on September 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Austin in the Murchison Chapel, with a reception to follow. Floral or tropical shirts are optional in his honor.

Gary was passionate about conservation and animal welfare. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Save Our Springs Alliance or Austin Pets Alive!