Who We Remember David R. York on his Father - "You Got Me"
We ask each of our guests a simple yet profound question: "Whose life story from your own family would you most want to have documented on film?" and "How does your family's story shape your own personal and professional legacy?"
Today's guest: David York, Managing Partner at York Howell
David's pick: His father, Gary York
Summary
In this reflective episode of Who We Remember, estate attorney and author David R. York shares a discovery that reshaped his understanding of identity and legacy. At 49, a DNA test revealed the man he called “Dad” wasn’t his biological father.
Rather than destabilizing him, the news deepened David’s appreciation for Gary York, a CPA who rose from poverty and dedicated his life to his children’s future.
Through story and insight, David explores how love and presence—not biology—define true fatherhood. He also shares how this experience shaped his estate planning work and his connection to his adopted children.
This episode is a meditation on gratitude, values, and what truly makes a family.
About David
David R. York is an attorney, CPA, and Managing Partner at York Howell, a top estate planning law firm in Salt Lake City. With nearly 30 years of experience, he works at the crossroads of tax law, business strategy, and legacy advising for high net worth families.
A Fellow of ACTEC and Dean of Legacy with the Purposeful Planning Institute, David is a sought-after speaker who has presented at TEDxSaltLakeCity, Q Commons, and the Hawaii Tax Institute.
He co-authored Entrusted and Riveted, authored The Gift of Lift, and created Experience Rivets™, a values-based tool for families and advisors. His work appears in Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning Magazine, and Investments & Wealth Monitor.
David serves on the boards of Holding Out HELP and Healing Nations. He lives near Salt Lake City with his wife, Mindy, and their five children.
Join Us
Visit us at storykeep.com/podcast to learn more about how StoryKeep is preserving family histories. Subscribe on your favorite platform to catch new episodes released bi-weekly, available in both audio and video formats.
Join me, Jamie Yuenger, as we go on a journey of remembrance and discovery, celebrating the stories of those we cherish. Don’t miss our enriching journey—subscribe today and be part of "Who We Remember."
Credits
Produced by Jamie Yuenger and Piet Hurkmans. Our show’s musical intro and outro is taken from the track “Thursday” by the independent artist Nick Takénobu Ogawa. You can listen and support his music on bandcamp here