Gary Joe Cook (74) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona passed away December 11, 2018. Gary was born August 26, 1944 in Houston, Texas to Billie Joe and Dorothy Helen Oliver Cook. He grew up in Barstow, California where he graduated from Barstow Union High School in 1962. Gary served 12 years with the United States Navy and worked his way to the rank of E-7 and served in the Vietnam War. After separating from the military, Gary earned his PhD in Communication Systems and taught in universities throughout the United States and Asia until he retired in 2010. His real passion was cycling and he was a world-class cyclist. He also enjoyed computer science and reading. Gary is survived by his sister, Barbara Ann Martin; his brother-in-law, Michael Martin; his nephew, David Martin all of Ridgecrest, California; and numerous other cousins in Arizona. He is preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. A private family memorial will be held in Ridgecrest California.