Dr. Anton Lethin

Anton Nathaniel Lethin, Jr., 97, of San Francisco, died peacefully at home of natural causes on June 1, 2022. “Nat” was born in Illinois, and his family later settled in Connecticut. Anton attended Hopkins Grammar School, graduating as valedictorian at age 17. He received scholarships from Hopkins, Yale College and Yale School of Medicine. Drafted into the Army at age 18, he was allowed to continue his education, earning his medical degree from Yale at age 22. His residency was under Dr. Edith Jackson, well-known for promoting rooming-in and breastfeeding. After the Korean War started, Anton re-enlisted and was deployed to Germany to serve as a pediatrician at the Army hospital in Frankfurt. There Capt. Lethin met and married his first wife Joyce, an American secretary with the U.S. State Department. Upon returning to the U.S., they lived in Connecticut. He worked as a research fellow at Yale.

In 1955, the family moved to California, and Anton started work as a pediatrician at Kaiser San Francisco. After raising their daughters Lisa and Bonnie, Anton and Joyce divorced.

Shortly thereafter, Anton met his wife Trish, a nurse, while both were working in the Kaiser neonatal ward. Anton and Trish married in 1976 and raised their children Matt and Cassie in San Francisco.

In the 1970s, Anton studied with Alexander Lowen, founder of Bioenergetic Analysis. While on a short leave from Kaiser, Anton worked as a Bioenergetic mind-body therapist. He also presented on the topic.

After a long career, including serving as Chief of Pediatrics and specializing in pediatric kidney disease, Anton retired in 1990. In retirement, he published in the Journal of Consciousness Studies and contributed to the book Consciousness and Emotion (2005).

Anton enjoyed philosophy, bird watching, singing, puns and his family. An avid swimmer and jogger for years, he also worked out at the gym until age 92. He often said, “I’m a lucky guy!” His wife, family, friends and former patients will miss him dearly. He will be remembered for his graciousness, his intellect, his modest nature and the twinkle in his eye.

Anton is survived by his loving wife Trish and his children Lisa (Ed), Bonnie (Rich), Matt (Kelly) and Cassie (Nick), along with five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Helen Lethin, and by his siblings Onnette Rhodes, Lois Lethin and Jay Lethin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Audubon Society. A celebration of Anton’s life will be held at a later date. If interested, please contact the family.