Robert York

1968 - 2014

Robert Theron York 45, died of natural causes on January 1, 2014.
Robert was born on March 25, 1968, in Houston, Texas. He attended All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as a boarder, graduating in 1986. Robert attended Loyola University, where he developed a love for New Orleans. He later lived in Austin, Texas, and then Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied culinary arts at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Robert enjoyed his work as a chef at numerous fine-dining establishments in the Atlanta area. To each of them he brought a new level of culinary creativity and camaraderie.
In addition to his cooking talents, which he shared by serving many fine meals to his loved ones, Robert was an enthusiastic marksman, avid reader, music aficionado, and dog lover. Robert's dry, dark wit was unparalleled-both brilliant and provocative but always irresistibly charming. Above all, Robert was a fiercely loyal friend, who in spite of his own battles with depression could always be counted on.
Robert is survived by his mother, Pamela Chilton Browning, and his stepfather, William T. Browning, of Atlanta; his stepmother, Peggy Ellen Bradley, his brother Andrew Farish York and his wife, Laura Brady, of Austin; and his sister, Amanda York Focke and her husband, Thatcher Barrett Focke, and his nieces Clover Chilton Focke and Olive Kolius Focke of Houston. He is also survived by his devoted canine best friend, Lilly, and many dear friends from throughout his life across the country. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Larry Farish York, who died from complications related to pancreatic cancer on December 8, 2013.
A memorial service will be held in Houston at 11:00 a.m. on January 18, 2014, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1805 W. Alabama St., followed by a celebration of Robert's life at Demeris Bar-B-Q, 2911 S. Shepherd Dr.
An Atlanta memorial service will be held in the near future by close friends at the Newtown Dog Park, John's Creek, with a park improvement being planned there in Robert's honor.
The family thanks Atlanta friends Stefanie and Peter Korman, Dennis Golland, and Rebecca Humber and her family for their unwavering friendship and support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Humane Society of the United States.