Todd Nathanson

Jul 18, 1977 -

Jun 7, 2020

Todd Eric Nathanson, age 42, passed away on June 7, 2020, in Seattle, Wash., as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. When Todd left us, he was at peace, surrounded by his loving family.

Todd was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Patti McGuire and Dr. Steven Nathanson. A graduate of Dimond High School, Todd was a lifelong Alaskan, where he treasured the vast wilderness and rich opportunities of his beautiful state. Growing up in Anchorage, Todd loved and excelled in all kinds of sports including ice hockey, tennis, fishing and skiing. Todd had an exceptional gift for immediately mastering any hobby or sport he decided to try.

Through the years, Todd held many different positions serving the Alaska community. He managed a remote fishing lodge in King Salmon, Alaska, which led to similar positions in the Anchorage area. However, as a result of his own personal struggles, Todd was most passionate about his work with those in need. Todd volunteered for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Alaska. These efforts continued through his work as Plant Manager at St. Elias Specialty Hospital – a health care facility dedicated to helping patients recover from oftentimes catastrophic injuries. Todd was beloved by the medical staff, the patients and their families, where his indisputable charm, sweet nature and infectious smile would brighten up everyone's lives. Finally, unbeknownst to his family, over the past 3 years, Todd worked with those who struggled with substance abuse, often putting his own life in danger to help others overcome obstacles similar to those he had encountered during his life.

While Todd shared his incredible talent and charisma with many across Alaska and beyond, what was most important to Todd was his family. Todd was an adoring father to two beautiful children: Madison Grace and Asher Eric. Protective and loving, he often proclaimed that Madison and Asher were by far his greatest achievement in life. These values and commitment to family extended to his own siblings: his younger brother, Dr. David Nathanson and younger sister, Devon Goldberg (Richard). Todd also loved and adored his older longtime stepsiblings: Lesil and Jason McGuire. And finally, Todd was a loving and devoted son. He relished the time spent in bush Alaska with his late stepfather, Dr. David McGuire, and he loved and worshiped his mother, Patti, with whom he spoke daily. Todd was a gift to Patti, and she learned as much from him as he did from her. Todd's kind, gentle soul will live on in the hearts and lives of his beloved children, his siblings and the rest of his family.

Todd is survived by several other family members who also loved him deeply: ex-wife and friend, Mary Castleberry Nathanson; father and stepmother, Dr. Steven and Joni Nathanson; stepfather and friend, Greg Romack; grandparents, Dr. Archie and Marlene Sharretts; grandmother, Gracie Sharretts (deceased); uncle and aunt, Jon and Wanda Sharretts; uncle and aunt, Matt and Miriam Sharretts; uncle and aunt, Rosie and Carlos Miranda; uncle, Archie Sharretts II "Doodle"; and uncle and aunt, Jeff and Jill Cohen. Todd was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Irving and Jere Nathanson; and his aunt, Jodi Sharretts Raab. Todd also leaves behinds numerous cousins and friends with whom he loved in addition to his "God Family" - Diana, Ashley, Zach Zjok and the late Robert Durst.

Todd believed people did not choose a life of drug addiction and that it should be treated as a disease. He did not want to be remembered as someone who chose that life, and although he died unrelated to drugs, Todd hoped that he was playing a role in helping fight the war on a condition that is hurting so many good people who have so much to offer. To honor him, Todd would want people to talk openly about drugs, and how to help those who suffer from addiction and how to stop those who prey on those who suffer from the disease.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Alaska Community Foundation to help further medical education and research.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the family will celebrate Todd's life through a private service officiated by Father Leo Walsh on July 18, 2020; which would have been Todd's 43rd birthday.

The family thanks the tremendous support from the Alaska community during the time of their great loss.