ASRC mourns the loss of Eben Hopson Jr., a leader from Utqiaġvik, AK whose impact was felt statewide through both his public and private service. Beginning in 1994, Eben served in various roles at Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) including Executive Director as well as President and CEO, which was his most recent post before he retired in 2007. Eben believed Alaska Native people had an important right to run their own healthcare and was the driving force for the new hospital that was built by ASNA in Utqiaġvik in 2013. He also developed various programs at ASNA including the Iñupiat Child Welfare program.
Eben, the son of Eben Hopson, Sr. and Rebecca (Panigeo) Hopson, was one of twelve children. On February 10, 1985, Eben married Rosemarie “Rosie” Habeich and together raised nine children and fostered over 50 children from across Alaska. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Eben was known for his kindness and undeniable championing of Alaska Native people. He also held leadership roles at the City of Barrow, Bristol Bay Borough, and the North Slope Borough. Eben served on the ASRC Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000. “Eben’s humble leadership is an example for all to follow. His work was driven out of a sense of service to people and community. I, along with the rest of the board of directors, extend our deepest condolences to the Hopson family,” said Crawford Patkotak, ASRC’s Board Chair.
Eben passed away peacefully and surrounded by love. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.