William "Bill" George Gurasich

William George (Bill) Gurasich passed from this life on August 18, 2023, at the age of 75. His wife and family members were at his side as he peacefully relinquished his years-long struggle with declining health. Bill’s goal in life was to “add value” to the lives of those around him, and the value of that contribution will be felt long beyond the span of his years.

Bill was one of triplets born in Long Beach, California, on March 26, 1948. Preceded by their sister Joan and followed by siblings Paul and Andrea, Bill, John, and Stephen were part of this lively family led by father Steve and mother Joan. The triplets attended Strake Jesuit High School in Houston. Bill attended the University of Texas, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was proud to have been inducted into the Friars Society, and he was named Outstanding Male Student in his senior year.

After a brief stint with Union Carbide, Bill, his brother Steve, and business partners Roy Spence, Judy Trabulsi, Tim McClure, and Jim Darileck started the advertising agency GSD&M. What began as a venture of college companions became one of the world’s most successful and creative agencies, garnering clients and awards on a national and international scale. Although Bill left the agency in 1991 to pursue real estate development, GSD&M (Idea City) continues to grow in size and influence, making an indelible and lasting mark on Austin and the world.

Some of Bill’s greatest achievements were in commercial real estate development in and around the Austin area, from small to large office buildings, to hotel development and ownership, to a large multi-acre affordable housing project in southeast Austin. His aim was to improve upon what already existed to make it more usable and valuable. When Bill purchased the historic Goodall-Wooten mansion on Judges Hill from its former occupant (Austin Recovery), it already had a vast and storied history. Bill turned the original building and annex into The Mansion at Judges Hill. It became a successful destination for both locals and visitors for lodging and fine dining. Although Bill sold the hotel to focus on other business pursuits, it remains a testament to the history of Austin. Bill also founded Cornerstone and SR Development, among other business entities.

Bill married Rev Jill Carey in February 1996, followed by the birth of twin sons, Alexander and David, in September 1997. Bill’s providing for his family included sharing many adventures in world travel. Bill moved into Westminster Senior Living in 2020 as his health declined, Bill’s family would like to thank his caregivers who served him 24 hours a day, including Tamecca, Michelle, Omar, Jessie, Tanya, Amy, and Leslie.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Joan (Cotter) Gurasich, his younger brother Paul, and his triplet brother Steve. He is survived by his wife, Rev Jill Carey, and sons Alexander and David; his triplet brother John (Linda), and sisters Joan Gurasich and Andrea Morgan (Daryl); sister-in-law Nancy Gurasich and Juline Ferris (Roger); nephews Brad (Laura), John (Molly), Stephen, and Nick Morgan; nieces Amy Thomason (Aaron), Robin Boeck (Ryan), Dana Jones (Thomas), and Hannah Morgan; as well as a healthy host of great-nieces and –nephews and Jill’s extended family.

Bill was a long-time supporter of Austin Recovery and a consultant to its Board of Directors. In order to support his almost 40 years of sobriety, he was always willing to share his experience, strength, and hope with others. He supported the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, helping them to achieve the rejuvenation of Camp Kachina in Morgan’s Point. He would encourage you to support any of the organizations in whose work he believed (listed below).

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A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 12:30 PM at Cook Walden Forest Oaks, 6300 W William Cannon Drive in Austin, followed by interment of ashes beside his brother Paul at the adjoining memorial park, Father Bill Wigmore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bill with a gift to: Austin Recovery, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, The Christi Center, Austin Montessori School, St Andrews School, Central Texas Food Bank, or Doctors Without Borders.