Nancy Harbour: Inspiring Life of Family, Arts, and Lasting Legacy

Nancy Harbour (December 26, 1950 – June 9, 2025) was a visionary arts leader, devoted mother, and cherished community figure, whose life exemplified quiet courage, dedication, and profound impact. From her early days in Prosser, Washington, to her decades of service in Alaska’s cultural institutions, Nancy’s story is one of passion, resilience, and love. Known for her unwavering support of the arts, her family, and her community, Nancy leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift those who knew her.

Completed Quick Biography

Early Life and Family Background

Born the day after Christmas in 1950 in Prosser, Washington, Nancy Harbour grew up in a household that valued education, compassion, and community involvement. She was the daughter of Gerald “Jerry” Davison and Caroline “Kit” Davison, and had siblings, including her late brother Bren Davison and surviving brother Greg Davison, who, along with his wife Debra, remained close family ties throughout her life.

Nancy’s early years were shaped by a love of learning and the arts, and her curiosity about people, culture, and human behavior became defining traits. She excelled academically in local schools and developed a lifelong appreciation for literature, storytelling, and cultural enrichment. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future professional and personal accomplishments.

Education and Early Career

Pursuing higher education in the humanities and social sciences, Nancy cultivated critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of society and culture. While details of her alma mater remain private, her education equipped her with the ability to navigate complex organizations and connect meaningfully with people—skills that would later define her career in the arts.

Nancy began her professional journey as an Arts Administrator at Anchorage Community College, now the University of Alaska Anchorage, where her meticulous work ethic, organizational skills, and warm interpersonal style quickly became apparent. She then moved on to serve as Executive Director of Arts Alaska, where she honed her leadership abilities, advocating for artists and fostering community engagement.

Marriage and Family Life

Nancy married Dave Harbour, her life partner of 40 years, and together they built a household rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared values. They raised their son Billy Harbour and welcomed her stepsons, Ben and Todd Harbour, into a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and cultural richness.

Her role as a mother was central to her identity. Nancy’s home was a nurturing environment filled with books, music, and intellectual stimulation. She was known for her gentle guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support, which became particularly influential for her son David Harbour, who would go on to achieve international fame as an actor in Stranger Things. David has often credited his mother for instilling in him a sense of decency, empathy, and resilience that has shaped both his personal life and professional career.

Professional Career and Leadership

Nancy Harbour’s career was marked by a deep commitment to the arts and cultural leadership. After her work at Anchorage Community College and Arts Alaska, she became President of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA). In this role, she transformed the institution into a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community collaboration, championing accessibility, mentorship, and innovation in Alaska’s cultural landscape.

Under Nancy’s leadership, ACPA expanded programs, nurtured emerging artists, and strengthened ties between artists, volunteers, and audiences. She was celebrated for her ability to blend strategic management with personal care, ensuring that every initiative she led benefited both the institution and the community it served. Her guidance helped countless artists flourish, and her influence continues to resonate in the Alaskan arts scene today.

Community Engagement and Civic Contributions

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nancy dedicated herself to civic and volunteer work. She actively contributed to Rotary International, the Mayor’s Charity Ball, the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, and the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, in addition to serving on the Alaska State Council on the Arts and supporting The Atwood Foundation.

Her engagement extended to her faith communities, including Parkside and Faith Community churches, where she offered mentorship, leadership, and support. Nancy’s approach to service was characterized by personal involvement, compassion, and the belief that cultural enrichment strengthens society, leaving a profound and lasting impact on her community.

Personal Interests and Passions

Nancy’s personal life reflected curiosity, creativity, and joy. She loved international travel, exploring diverse cultures, and learning from local communities, particularly in Alaska, where she admired and celebrated Alaska Native traditions and artistry.

At home, she expressed her creativity through quilting, gourmet cooking, and collecting Chihuly blown glass, blending artistry with everyday life. She was an avid fan of Broadway musicals, especially Les Miserables, and found delight in simple pleasures such as gardening, Saturday markets, and nature walks around Baxter Bog. Her interests mirrored her personality: thoughtful, elegant, and deeply connected to beauty and life’s small joys.

Overcoming Challenges

Nancy navigated the challenges of balancing a demanding professional career with family responsibilities with remarkable grace. She guided her children through formative years, including supporting David Harbour during periods of uncertainty, self-discovery, and mental health struggles. Her unwavering belief and steady guidance provided a foundation of strength and confidence for her family.

In her later years, Nancy faced Alzheimer’s disease, confronting it with dignity and courage. Even during her illness, she remained a source of love, inspiration, and grounding for her family and community, demonstrating resilience and grace that touched everyone around her.

Legacy and Remembrance

Nancy Harbour’s legacy is multifaceted: she was a leader in the arts, a devoted mother, and a committed community advocate. Her work transformed Alaska’s cultural institutions, her mentorship shaped generations of artists, and her guidance nurtured the lives of her children and stepsons.

A “Celebration of Nancy Harbour Life” is scheduled for August 10, 2025, at the Voth Theater of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, where friends, family, and colleagues will honor her contributions. A half-century of audio-visual memories will showcase her professional achievements, community service, and personal milestones, highlighting the breadth and depth of her extraordinary life.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

• The Generous Heart: Nancy once helped a struggling couple secure their first home just days before their wedding, reflecting her compassion and hands-on support for her community.

• Archivist of Memories: She carefully preserved her children’s artwork, school performances, and personal milestones, demonstrating her belief in celebrating growth and creativity.

• Motherly Humor: When David Harbour earned his first acting paycheck, Nancy humorously reminded him to remain grounded while celebrating his achievement.

• Everyday Joys: Her love for gardening, cooking, and attending local theater productions revealed a life centered on gratitude, curiosity, and engagement with the world around her.

Conclusion

Nancy Harbour lived a life marked by love, leadership, and unwavering commitment. From her formative years in Washington, through decades of service in Alaska’s arts community, to her devoted role as a mother and mentor, she demonstrated that quiet dedication can create a powerful, lasting impact.

Her influence continues through her family, the cultural institutions she strengthened, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and grace. Nancy’s life serves as a reminder of the enduring power of compassion, perseverance, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

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