Dr. Jon Kingsley Lattimer

Dr. Jon Kingsley Lattimer—a respected physician, devoted family man, and passionate adventurer—passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 with his wife and son by his side. He was 74. Jon often used the phrase 'there are old riders and there are bold riders, but there are no old bold riders,' and--appropriately--he landed somewhere in between.Jon was born on February 16, 1951, in New York City to John and Jamie Lattimer. He grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, and spent summers on the family farm in Hubbardston, Michigan.He attended Dartmouth College for his undergraduate studies, followed by medical school at Columbia University. Jon fell in love with Hawai‘i and the Aloha Spirit—a connection that would shape the rest of his life--while completing his general surgery residency at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu.He then finished his Urology Fellowship at Columbia University before serving as Chief of Urology at University Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.He eventually settled on the Big Island, where he dedicated his career to the community as a leading Urologist at Kona Community Hospital. He was also Chief of Staff in Kona for some of that time. As Chief of Staff he once secured funding for the hospital by sending duct tape along with a heart-felt note to all of the State's representatives at the time.Known for his humor, Dr. Lattimer also made sure to have a Whiz Kids milk cap created for his practice in Kealakekua when POGs became popular.Jon was also known for his compassion, clinical excellence, and integrity, which earned him the respect of colleagues and the heartfelt gratitude of countless patients. He retired in 2007 and relocated to Waikīkī.Outside of medicine, Jon lived life to the fullest. He was an avid skier and scuba diver who found joy in exploring both mountains and oceans. His adventurous spirit was matched by his warmth, wisdom, and inner strength. He never said no to a scooner and dog at Honokohau Harbor, and he always followed the 'seven billion' rule while skiing. There were seven billion people in the world at the time, and if none of them went down the hill in front of him: neither would he.Jon is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Deborah Lattimer; his only (and sometimes-favorite) son, Jeff (Beth); his cherished grandson, Reid; sister, Evan; and brother, Gary.His presence, guidance, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his caregivers in both Hawaii and Ohio.