Paul "Prem" Nathenson

Paul “Prem” Nathenson March 20, 1954-May 20, 2025 Paul “Prem” Nathenson, 71, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of family on the evening of May 20 th . He is survived by his wife Nancy, children Abraham, Sophie, and Lucas, and his sisters Lee Nathenson of Chicago, IL, Lynne Grau (Jim) of Madison WI, and Gayle Clayton (Gary) of Weston, CT, along with many cousins across the U.S. Prem was born in Chicago, IL to parents Miriam and Ken. Prem’s journey was unique, not without challenges, and his experiences exemplified resilience and reinvention. He attended Malcom X Junior College at no cost as part of Reverend Jessie Jackson’s Operation Bread Basket. After graduation he left home and spent time in New Mexico living in a yoga ashram, and California in a commune teaching yoga to children. He discovered a deep sense of spirituality during this time which carried through his entire life. He attended nursing school at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. While working as a CNA he met his wife Nancy, a respiratory therapist. They married and began raising their children while Prem worked his way into hospital administration and discovered his passion for triathlons. In 1993 he took advantage of a job opportunity in nursing administration at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, NE. He continued competing nationally in Triathlons across the country with family in tow. In 2003 he suffered a seizure caused by a brain tumor. He underwent cancer treatment that included brain surgery and radiation resulting in left sided paralysis. He underwent rehabilitation at Madonna the hospital where he served as the Vice President of Patient care and treated his recovery with rigor and determination. With the odds against him he learned to walk again and function completely independently. When the tumor reoccurred about a year later, he pursued alternative modalities such as meditation, diet, exercise and other technologies and therapies. His cancer then went into remission within 9 mos. for 21 years. During that time, he went back to school, earning a certification in Traditional Naturopathy, followed by a Masters and Doctorate in Nursing. In 2011 he started Simple Path Health and Wellness Clinic with his wife Nancy. https://simplepathwellness.com/content/Journal-Star-Story.pdf He was a valued member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and held various leadership roles for over 20 years. From 2009 to the present, he served on the Board of Directors for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International), where he provided insights from his role as a health care professional but also from his lived experience with a disability supporting CARF’s mission to bring high- quality services to the person served. In September of 2020 he relocated with Nancy and Lucas to Oregon, joining daughter Sophie and son Abe where he focused on teaching on-line graduate nursing courses for Clarkson College and Capella University. Prem is remembered to have always lived life in the present moment with gratitude and positivity. Nancy referred to him as her “Happy Buddha”. He never complained or dwelled on his illness, his paralysis, or any challenge that came his way. With any set back in his function his focus was not on what he couldn’t do but what he GOT to do next. He laughed constantly, and humor ruled the Nathenson household. He leaves a legacy of love, conquering self-doubt, and letting go of all things out of his control. He touched countless lives with his energy, intuition, generosity, and wisdom. His family is committed to honoring this legacy by relishing the silver linings, sticking together, and infusing humor with anything and everything. A Celebration of Life for Prem with family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 14 th from 3pm-6pm at Pioneers Park Nature Center 3201 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522. Please RSVP to nancy.nathenson@gmail.com The Nathenson’s home address: 17471 Harriet Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045 In lieu of flowers, please direct donations and memorials to The Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/donate-online-by-mail-or-by-phone/ , your local Food Pantry or Humane Society.

Paul "Prem" Nathenson

March 20, 1954 - May 20, 2025