Nancy Harbour was more than a name on a building directory—she was the beating heart of Alaska’s performing arts community for nearly half a century. As the longtime President of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA), she shaped Anchorage’s cultural landscape and touched countless lives with her warmth, dedication, and boundless energy. This is the story of a woman who transformed a dream into a reality and left an indelible mark on the 49th state.
Quick Facts About Nancy Harbour
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nancy Marie Harbour (née Davison) |
| Born | December 26, 1950, in Prosser, Washington |
| Died | June 9, 2025, in Sedona, Arizona |
| Age at Passing | 74 |
| Known For | Retired President & CEO of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) |
| Career Highlights | Began at ACPA in 1988 (6 months before opening); became President in 1997 |
| Community Service | Volunteer for Rotary, Mayor’s Charity Ball, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Alaska State Council on the Arts, The Atwood Foundation |
| Spouse | Dave Harbour (married 40 years) |
| Children | Son Billy; Stepsons Ben and Todd Harbour |
| Hobbies | International travel, fishing, quilting, gourmet cooking, Broadway musicals (especially Les Miserables) |
| High School | Richland’s Columbia High School, Class of 1969 |
Early Life and Background
Born the day after Christmas in 1950, Nancy Marie Davison grew up in Prosser, Washington, before her family moved to Richland, where she graduated from Columbia High School in 1969 . Even as a young woman, Nancy displayed the determination and community spirit that would define her life. Her father, Gerald (Jerry) Davison, and mother, Caroline (Kit) Davison, raised a family that valued hard work and service—values Nancy carried with her to Alaska.
After high school, Nancy began a journey that would eventually lead her to the Great Land. She became a 45-year Alaskan, a title she wore with immense pride . But before she became synonymous with Anchorage’s arts scene, she honed her skills at Anchorage Community College (now the University of Alaska Anchorage) and served as the Executive Director of Arts Alaska . These early roles were the building blocks for a career that would impact the entire state.
Career and Major Achievements
Building a Performing Arts Legacy
Nancy Harbour’s professional life was intricately tied to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA), affectionately known as “The PAC.” She joined the organization in 1988—six months before the center’s doors even opened to the public . Imagine being part of a team building something from the ground up in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Nancy wasn’t just there for the grand opening; she was there for the construction, the planning, and the countless behind-the-scenes moments that turned a building into a cultural hub.
In 1997, she stepped into the role of President, a position she would hold for over two decades . Under her leadership, the ACPA flourished. She oversaw critical capital projects that kept the venue modern and vibrant, navigated complex union and management contract renegotiations, and stabilized relationships with the resident theater companies that call the PAC home . She was, in every sense, the anchor of the organization.
A Leader in the Community
Nancy’s influence extended far beyond the walls of the PAC. She was a dedicated volunteer, lending her time and talent to numerous organizations that shaped Anchorage . Her service record reads like a who’s who of community pillars:
- Rotary: Embodying the spirit of service above self.
- Mayor’s Charity Ball: Supporting local causes.
- Anchorage Downtown Partnership: Helping to build a vibrant city center.
- Alaska State Council on the Arts: Advocating for arts funding and policy.
- The Atwood Foundation: Continuing a legacy of journalism and community support .
Her work earned her numerous community awards, a testament to her tireless dedication to making Alaska a better place . A colleague remembered her as a “talented individual” who “made Alaska a better place,” noting that her “caring and professional skills positively affected us all” .
Personal Life: A Love Story 40 Years in the Making
Behind the powerful executive was a woman deeply devoted to her family. Nancy’s personal life was as rich and full as her professional one. Her 40-year marriage to her husband, Dave, was a partnership in every sense. The couple shared a life filled with love, adventure, and mutual support .
Nancy’s love for her family was matched by her love for life’s simple pleasures. She had an adventurous spirit, enjoying international travel that took her across the globe. She embraced the Alaskan lifestyle, finding joy in fishing and afternoon walks around Baxter Bog . Her creative side flourished through quilting, gourmet cooking, and an appreciation for the stunning artistry of Chihuly blown glass. She loved the energy of the Saturday market and was captivated by Alaska Native cultures .
And, of course, there was the theater. As the head of a performing arts center, one might expect a love for Broadway, but Nancy’s passion was genuine. Her all-time favorite musical was Les Miserables . It’s easy to imagine her humming “I Dreamed a Dream” backstage at the PAC.
Family and Relationships
Nancy’s passing is mourned by a large and loving family. She was a devoted mother to her son, Billy, and a caring stepmother to Ben and Todd Harbour . She was preceded in death by her brother, Bren Davison, and her parents, Gerald and Caroline Davison . She is survived by her brother, Greg Davison, and sister-in-law, Debra Davison, of Kirkland, Washington .
Perhaps the most beautiful tribute to her family life came from her husband, Dave. He shared that Nancy “went to heaven while in the arms of her husband” . It’s a poignant image of love and peace that speaks to the profound connection they shared.
A Courageous Final Chapter
In her later years, Nancy faced a formidable challenge: Alzheimer’s disease. She fought a courageous five-year battle with the illness, demonstrating the same strength and grace she had shown throughout her life . In 2015, she received a sabbatical award from the Rasmuson Foundation, which she planned to use to spend more time with her family, travel, and indulge in her hobbies of gardening and quilting . It was a well-deserved break from her demanding career, allowing her to focus on the people and passions she loved most.
She passed away peacefully in Sedona, Arizona, on June 9, 2025, surrounded by love .
Interesting Facts About Nancy Harbour
- Favorite Broadway Musical: Les Miserables was her absolute favorite .
- Hobbies: An avid quilter and gourmet cook who loved creating beautiful things .
- Alaskan at Heart: She spent 45 years in Alaska, calling it home .
- Walking Routes: She enjoyed afternoon walks around Baxter Bog .
- Art Appreciation: She loved the glass art of Dale Chihuly .
Legacy and Celebration of Life
Nancy Harbour’s legacy is the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. She didn’t just manage the PAC; she nurtured it. She was its champion, its advocate, and its heart. The future of the ACPA remains in the care of a highly competent management team, staff, and board, but they stand on the shoulders of a giant .
To honor her memory, the Harbour family invites friends, colleagues, and the community to a “Celebration of Nancy Harbour’s Life” on Sunday, August 10, 2025, beginning at 1:30 p.m., in the Voth Theater of her beloved ACPA . Guests can arrive early, starting at 1:00 p.m., to view a half-century of audio/visual memories featuring Nancy alongside her coworkers, friends, and family—a beautiful tribute to a woman whose service spanned nearly five decades in Alaska .
A close colleague, Alice Walsh, shared, “Nancy was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Alaska… where we had so much fun doing important work for Anchorage and Alaska. I can remember so many times when she made me laugh” . This is the Nancy Harbour many will remember: a leader who got things done, but also a kind soul who could make you smile.
Conclusion
Nancy Harbour lived a life of profound purpose. She wasn’t just a woman who ran a theater; she was a woman who built community through the arts. She was a tireless advocate, a dedicated volunteer, a loving wife, and a proud mother. Her journey from a small town in Washington to the helm of Alaska’s premier performing arts center is a testament to her vision, her resilience, and her boundless heart.
While the stages of the ACPA will continue to light up, a bright light has gone out in the Alaska arts community. Her legacy is a reminder that one person’s passion can transform a city. Nancy Harbour will be deeply missed, but her spirit—and the institution she helped build—will endure for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nancy Harbour
Who was Nancy Harbour?
Nancy Harbour was the retired President and CEO of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) in Anchorage, Alaska. She was a beloved leader in the Alaska arts community for nearly half a century .
What did Nancy Harbour do?
Nancy Harbour was an arts administrator. She began her career at Anchorage Community College and Arts Alaska before joining the ACPA in 1988. She was responsible for overseeing the operations, capital projects, and community relations for the performing arts center .
What is Nancy Harbour’s connection to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts?
Nancy Harbour is synonymous with the ACPA. She joined the organization in 1988, six months before it opened, and became its President in 1997, serving until her retirement in 2020 .
When did Nancy Harbour pass away?
Nancy Harbour passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease .
What is the Celebration of Life for Nancy Harbour?
A “Celebration of Nancy Harbour’s Life” is scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Voth Theater of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts .
