George Ray Cook Sr

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George Ray Cook Sr on May 14, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Eureka, Montana, on September 4, 1938, to George Washington Cook and Mary “Mickey” Basta Cook, George was a proud Montanan through and through. He was raised in Great Falls alongside his younger brother, James “Bo” Cook. His life was defined by resilience, devotion to family, and a tireless work ethic.

George’s grit showed up early. As a teenager, he earned the title of Golden Gloves Boxing Champion at 134 pounds. At a young age, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Kearsage, a defining chapter in his young life that helped shape his sense of duty and discipline.

On July 5, 1959, George joined the Great Falls Fire Department, where he served his community for 38 years until his retirement in 1997. He also worked as a journeyman butcher at the Northside Meat Market and later ran the Vaughn Meat Packing Plant alongside his first late wife, Joyce Nadine Barsotti-Cook. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to the racetrack, where he trained and raced thoroughbred horses including Camano Sunset, Sease Fire, and Cock Your Hammer being among his favorites.

George’s heart belonged to the great outdoors. He found peace in fishing at Holter Lake, Tiber Dam, and his favorite Florida spot, Boca Grande. Hunting was a lifelong passion, whether setting up camp at Meadow Creek or chasing white tails on Alaska Bench, he cherished every moment in the wild. He passed those traditions down through generations, especially through ice fishing tournaments with his sons and grandsons.

Though tough and no-nonsense on the outside, George, affectionately known as “Grandpa Mustache” was known for his tender heart and unwavering love for his family. He never missed a rodeo, wrestling match, or football game. A proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he supported his community just as fiercely, serving on the Simms High School school board, helping build the track, and organizing the Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed to benefit the wrestling team.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Cook; his children, Kelli Cook, George Cook Jr., and PJ Cook; his daughter-in-law, Gail Cook; and his brother, James “Bo” Cook, and sister-in-law, Maryann Cook. He was also a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy. George was preceded in death by his son, Rick Cook, whose memory he carried with quiet pride.

George Cook’s life was a legacy of hard work, tradition, and deep devotion to his family and community. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always in the places he loved most, the quiet of the mountains, the buzz of the racetrack, and the warmth of the people he called his own.

His celebration of life will be held on June 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Great Falls Trap Club.