Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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ALASKA - A prominent Alaska leader and whaling captain, Edward Hopson, Sr., died Tuesday among family and friends in Barrow, Alaska. Mr. Hopson, known by people as "Eddie", was an integral part of the formation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.

He served Alaska as the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation's (ASRC) first Vice President from 1972 to 1977, later became the president from 1977 to 1983, and served as Chairman of the Board from 1983 to 1994.

His vision and leadership enabled ASRC to grow into the largest Alaskan owned corporation with revenues exceeding $850M that currently employs over 1,000 of its Inupiat shareholders. Through his commitment to the Native values of, sharing, cooperation and respect for the land, Eddie incorporated those values into the daily operations of ASRC and its subsidiaries.

Among other roles, Mr. Hopson served on the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, North Slope Borough Assembly, and ASRC Housing Authority Commission.

Eddie was a true ambassador for Alaska Natives. He was an advocate of education and a tenacious fighter for Alaska Native subsistence rights. His family, friends and colleagues will miss his vision, kind-heartedness and wisdom across the state. Eddie is survived by his life-long partner and best friend, Alice Ahmaogak Hopson; sons John Hopson Sr., Charles Hopson, and Harvey Hopson; daughters Lucille Adams, and Isabelle Brower; brothers Sam Hopson, Hubert Hopson, Al Hopson Jr., Ben Hopson Sr.; sisters Emma Bodfish, Annie Leavitt, Evelyn Williams, Ethel Ungarook and Ruth Biden; and many grand and great grand children, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Condolences can be sent to the following address:

Edward Hopson Sr. Family
C/O Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
1230 Agvik Street
P.O. Box 129
Barrow, Alaska 99723
Fax: (907) 852-5733

For additional information please contact Tara Sweeney, phone: 852-8633.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2000, at 2:00 p.m. at the Barrow High School Gymnasium.