Herbert (Herb) Nason

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obit-HerbDr. Herbert Miles (Herb) Nason died peacefully in Albuquerque, N.M., at age 85 on Jan. 20 after a short illness following an outdoor fall. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, highly respected doctor and wonderful friend.

Herb was born in Kansas City, Kan., on Nov. 16, l930, to Dr. Z. Miles and Susie Robinson Nason and spent his childhood there. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1948. Carrying on the medical tradition in his family, Herb became a third-generation doctor, graduating from the Kansas University School of Medicine in 1956 with an M.D. and practicing family medicine for the next 35 years. The year 2016 would have been the 60th year since his graduation from medical school. He held several state offices in the American Academy of Family Practice and strongly supported KU Family Medicine throughout his life.

Herb and his wife, Betty, met on a blind date arranged by their brothers and remained best friends for life. They married in l954 and raised their four children in Kansas City, Osceola, Mo., and Alamosa. Following his retirement from medicine in 1992, the Nasons moved from Alamosa to Pagosa Springs.

He was a long-time member of the Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Gray Wolf Ski Club. Over the years, Herb organized many golfing tournaments and downhill ski trips to national parks and other fun places in Colorado, Utah and Arizona for the Gray Wolves. He also greatly enjoyed meeting new friends, playing bridge, hiking, hunting and traveling, especially with Betty in their fifth wheel. His adventurous spirit, love of new experiences and mischievous sense of humor energized everyone around him.

Ever the caring family doctor even in retirement, Herb was famous among his friends for his willingness to share his medical expertise whenever friends had questions or concerns. He always kept up with the latest medical news and it was not surprising to see him stabilizing a broken leg on the mountain with a tree branch.

People listened to Herb with great respect, as he always had something of value to say. He was a family man to emulate, a doctor to admire and a friend to treasure. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

In addition to his wife Betty, Herb is survived by his four children: Susie Nason, Linda Hackathorn and husband Gary, Tom Nason and Tracy Nason; grandchildren Randy Wasmer, Melissa Nason, Rachael Hackathorn and Derik Chavez; brother Courtney; several nieces and nephews; and hundreds of wonderful friends, especially his bridge, hiking, golf, skiing and travel pals. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Pat Meeks and granddaughter Jessica Chavez.

Earlier this week, his family participated in a private service in Albuquerque, where there were many tears and also much laughter as they shared fond memories of Herb. At present, there are no plans for a service in Pagosa. The family especially thanks the staff at Casa del Norte and the nurses at Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital in Albuquerque for their loving care of Herb.

In his honor, contributions can be made to the Nason Family Award for Kansas University Family Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160, or the Dr. Mary Fisher Foundation, 95 S. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.