Dan Aubrie Fleming

We are sad to announce that Dan Aubrie Fleming of Anchorage, Alaska, died peacefully at home on the morning of May 21, 2026. He was being cared for by his loving wife and eldest sister as he passed into Heaven. He will be remembered for his big heart and generous ways and for his love of family. 

 

Dan was born July 10th, 1957, in Willows, California, where he would spend all of his childhood years. Though he often felt more called to opportunities and adventures far afield, Dan did reflect later that he was deeply grateful for his small-town roots and the community of people who helped to raise and support him. He was educated in the Willows Unified school district and by reading his own “curriculum” based on his wide array of interests, the suggestions of the local librarian, Mrs. Bond, and his mom’s home library. This love of reading and the written word would be a constant in his life. When many think of Dan, it is with a book in hand! He graduated from high school in 1975 and moved to Salem, Oregon to pursue higher education at Willamette University. While at Willamette, he double majored in English and History; subjects well suited for his voracious appetite for stories and knowledge.  He continued following his passion for literature by completing a Master's Degree in Library Sciences at the University of Denver. This opened the door for his lifelong career.  Dan began working in the Loussac Library in Anchorage, Alaska. He started as an archivist, went on to become a research librarian in the Alaska collection, and ended his career as an administrator.  He made Alaska his home. 

 

In 1994, he met and married his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbie. Taking long hikes with Barb in the great AK outdoors or daily family dog walks in Far North Bicentennial Park were sources of satisfaction and joy. However, he would say one of his best experiences in Alaska was being a Dad to his kids, Bryan and Leah. 

 

To his family and friends, he was known by many names: Danny, Albert, Beau Bro, “Little Dan,” Uncle Marco, and many more. Each one reflected a different facet of the life he shared with those around him. Dan will also be remembered as a devoted brother, a loving uncle, and a trusted advisor.

His wry and esoteric sense of humor, gift for storytelling, and the jovial, mischievous twinkle in his eyes will be deeply missed. He was generous with his knowledge and never shied away from a thoughtful conversation—whether about history, science, religion, philosophy, athletics, graphic art, movies, music, or, of course, books! He was good at making you think and making you laugh; a legacy that will live on after him in those who loved him. 

 

Dan is survived by his wife, Barbara Jane Campbell; his second Mom, Patricia Mayberry Fleming; his daughter, Leah (Adam) Dahl and their children, Wren and Ivy; his son, Bryan Fleming (Sarah Silliman Vinson); his sisters and sisters-in-law, Margaret (Sam) Baker, Nancy (Dan) Farrer, Deana (Mike) Fleming, Susie (Jeff) Fleming; his Mayberry brothers, Steve (Darla), Danny (Sheila), and Scott (Brenda). Not forgetting nieces and nephews and their children: Nathan (Carissa) Fleming, Caleb (Noelle) Fleming, Olivia (Taylor) Prinz, and their kids, Max, Halle’ana and Kai, Elsie Jane and Isaiah, and Sophie! Last but not least, Charlie, their latest dog companion in a long line of family dogs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Barbara Fleming, and his brothers, Mike and Jeff Fleming. 

 

A heartfelt thanks to all the people who walked alongside Dan, Barb and their family in a long and difficult cancer journey: Fleming and Mayberry families, Eric Tuers and family, friends, neighbors, members of the Lutheran Church of Hope, his medical team, Providence Palliative Care, and Compassis hospice care. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is so true. But we’ve found that it takes a village at the end of life too, and Dan had an amazing village! 

 

In lieu of flowers, Barbie is requesting that those who would like to commemorate Dan plant a tree or perennials to make the world more beautiful in Dan’s memory.  To celebrate his life, an Open House will be held at Dan and Barb’s home in Anchorage on June 24th from 4:00pm-7:00pm for family and friends.

 

 

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12