Frederick "Fred" Lee Sager
May 21, 1954 -
May 7, 2026
Fredrick Lee Sager passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 71.
Born in Hillsdale, Mich., to Richard and Hildagard (Kruger) Sager, Fred discovered his love for theater early in life through music, performance and technical production. He graduated from Jonesville High School in 1972, attended Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Camp, and later graduated from Central Michigan University before traveling the country working on theater productions from Virginia to Oregon.
When Fred arrived in Anchorage, he found the place that would become his true home.
Fred worked with Alaska Repertory Theatre through the 1980s as a Journeyman Electrician and later joined Anchorage Concert Association as Technical Director during its transition into the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. He would go on to serve for decades as Production Manager for the Evangeline Atwood Concert Hall, becoming a cornerstone of Alaska's performing arts community.
Fred's true artistry lived in light. He especially loved lighting dance and was a devoted creative partner to Alaska Dance Theatre for decades, helping generations of young dancers step confidently into the spotlight. Quietly and without fanfare, he mentored artists, technicians and colleagues across Alaska's arts community through his dedication, precision, humor and steadfast loyalty.
Though exacting in his work, Fred was deeply kindhearted and generous to those fortunate enough to know him well. Beyond the theater, he loved camping, hiking, kayaking and exploring Alaska's wilderness.
He is survived by his brothers, Richard Sager and David Sager; sister, Paula (Erich) Abraham; best friend of more than 30 years, Mark Florez; and a theater community forever shaped by his presence.
Later in summer 2026, friends will gather to celebrate Fred's life. Fred's family invites donations to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W. 6th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, where his work quietly illuminated stages, artists and audiences for decades.
