David Bork

1937 - 2025

David Bork, author, speaker, mentor, and pioneer, who integrated Family Systems Theory with sound business practices, thereby defining the field of Family Business Consulting, died on May 25, 2025, in Louisville, CO. He was 88. An educator at heart, David Bork shared his knowledge, experience, and expertise widely. He is known to have said, "An idea doesn't care who has it!"

Bork, as he was widely known, was born on May 15, 1937, in Hinckley, MN, to Charles and Fay Bork. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, and following his service in the Army, moved to Port Washington, NY, where he taught high school mathematics and became a leading organizer in the local chapter of the National Education Association. In 1970, Bork moved with his family to Frederick, MD, where he continued to be an innovative force, contributing to the historical preservation and thoughtful evolution of The Downtown Frederick Project while also starting a consulting business focused on helping others succeed. One of his early clients was a family-owned enterprise. Bork quickly realized that there was something special and different in a business where family members worked together. This was a new field, and Bork was at the vanguard of developing solutions for clients. The field accelerated when, in 1980, Fortune Magazine published one of the first articles on this new "family business" field and featured Bork's work.

In 1988, drawn to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Bork moved his consulting business to Aspen, CO, where he founded the Aspen Family Business Group. The mission was to serve the needs of family-owned enterprise. Bork's work grew to international acclaim for his unique approach to solving and resolving complex family dynamics in the context of a successful business model.

David Bork was an avid cyclist, fly fisherman, gardener, creative chef, and world traveler. He was committed to health and well-being. He loved music and had a special penchant for classical music and opera, and would often comment about the soaring notes in a particular piece. As a proud father, Bork was happiest when his home was filled with his children and grandchildren celebrating the holidays.

For 35 years, Bork enjoyed the splendor of the Roaring Fork Valley with all the gorgeous natural resources on offer. He moved from Aspen to Basalt to Carbondale, building homes along the way. Since 2020, he lived in Boulder County, making many new friends. He finally settled at Balfour Residence in the fall of 2024.

David Bork is survived by his daughter Sarah, his son Daniel, and their families, and his sister and brother, Rosemary Olerud and Charles Bork. He will be missed by his many friends, business associates, family, and the people he encountered in the grand and colorful life he lived. A Life Celebration for David Bork, will be held at the Snowmass Chapel on October 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Reception and stories to follow. David Bork