Gary Stephen Karasick, 80, died peacefully at home on June 11, 2024. Gary lived his life to the fullest, with a heart full of love for his family and friends. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, MI, where he was an accomplished swimmer. He went on to participate in the 1960 US Olympic Trials at Brennan Pools and continued onward at Indiana State University. He loved traveling and was especially fond of the wide open spaces in the western United States. When his children were young, every summer he hitched up an RV and drove them across the country, and especially loved camping in National Parks and Forests. All the trips created beautiful memories, including a special one when Gary instinctively jumped into the Rio Grande river during flood stage to save a nearby little boy who had fallen in. His family remembers him as courageous, insightful and loyal.

Gary worked hard to provide for his family and had a full career in worker's compensation insurance, culminating in a CEO role. After initial retirement, he then answered a call to his second career as a teacher. He was proud of the work he did at a youth challenge academy in Florida. He then went on to teach special education in Moab, UT, where he made a difference in the lives of many kids. His patience and deep kindness shone brightly while working with his students. Later, Gary was a frequent community volunteer, especially enjoying his time as a visitor center host at Big Bend National Park and as an usher at The Long Center in Austin, Texas.

Gary brought Detroit with him everywhere he went in the form of Sanders Hot Fudge, Vernor's ginger ale, and Snaps licorice candy. He was a Jewish boy at heart and loved halvah, Gefilte fish, bagels with lox, and matzah ball soup. Gary had a love of learning and a natural curiosity about how things worked and enjoyed trying and seeing new things. He spoke English, Russian, Yiddish, and Hebrew. He was a talented gardener and raised fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and lovely ornamental plants throughout his life. Gary was an avid weather watcher and often watched storms out his window or under cover of his garage or patio. He shared this interest with his sons and was always happy to hear from his kids and grandkids about anything happening in their lives. Gary had two dogs in his lifetime, Mike and Kola, and many grand dogs, all of whom adored Gary.

With his wife, Karen, Gary had many more adventures including square dancing, trips to Hawaii, Big Bend, Palo Duro Canyon, Alaska, and the British Virgin Islands. The annual Flamingo Party and hosting holidays and family events together with Karen always found Gary with a huge smile on his face. Their quiet moments shared together at home in Liberty Hill, Texas, were their happiest.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen, sons Aren Karasick and Stephen Karasick (Britney), grandchildren Brent Karasick and Joshua Karasick, Gary's sister Sheila Lesser (Jeff), her sons David Talberg and Dan Talberg, and brother Ken Karasick's son, Matthew Karasick. He is mourned by his many friends and now reunited with his parents William and Eleanore Karasick, his brother Ken Karasick, and his nephew Gregory Karasick.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM, at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Dr., Georgetown, TX. A reception for friends and family will follow at 638 Speed Horse, Liberty Hill, TX. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the National Parks Foundation in honor of Gary at give.nationalparks.org.