Dr. Robert Nathanson died on May 12, 2022. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 6, 1933, and was the son of Benjamin Nathanson and Bertha Krupp Nathanson. He gracefully dealt with Parkinson's Disease for six years without complaint, exhibiting his usual good nature throughout his illness.Nate (as he preferred to be called) graduated from Boston Latin School, Boston University, and Tufts University Medical School with honors in 1957. He completed his residency in Ambulatory Medicine as a general practitioner at Tripler Army Medical Center and then served in the Army at Schofield Barracks and Kilauea Medical Center on the Big Island.
He joined Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in 1961 and served as a general practitioner for over 37 years at Kaiser's Ko'olau Clinic, retiring from Kailua Clinic in 1998. His skill as a physician was admired by his colleagues and patients alike. To say he was beloved by his many patients is an understatement. Many continued to remain connected to him long after he retired.
Nate's entire life was about serving others, as witnessed by his medical practice. He enjoyed himself immensely by serving in other ways as well: He co-founded Hospice Hawaii (now named Navian) in 1980 with medical colleagues, and served as its first president. He was president of Kaiser Permanente Retirees Association from 2002 until 2016. While putting on semi-annual banquets for that group, he used his ever-present sense of humor well. He served Chamber Music Hawai'i as vice president for many years, and was also program director for Friends of Waialua Bandstand, organizing monthly concerts for the community. He advocated tirelessly for medical aid-in-dying, and was significant in the early fight for the current Hawai'i law legalizing it.
Nate's personal pleasures included enjoying classical music, snorkeling in the ocean adjacent to his home, flying kites, gardening, preparing picnics for his family, and deep reading in the many subjects that interested him. He also cruised the world with wife Donna. He was a proud and dedicated father and stepfather to his seven daughters and cherished each of them immensely.
Nate is survived by his wife and soulmate of 42 years, Donna Nathanson; his sister Betsy Troy (Bob); his daughter Julia Nathanson Cobb (Drew); stepdaughters Martha-Alice Reber, Tia Reber, Josalind Akoi (Sam), Malie Smith, and Michelle Simmer (John); four beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter Helen Nathanson. We are grateful for the loving care given to Nate by caregivers Jay Sagun and Glenn Ibara, and the services of Hospice Hawaii Navian.
Nate was a kind and gentle soul, and we know he is resting peacefully now. In lieu of gifts, donations may be made to Chamber Music Hawai'i in honor of this extraordinary man. Private family services are pending with scattering of ashes offshore at Mokule'ia Beach Colony.
