Visionary leader, Inupiaq whaling captain and former Mayor of the North Slope Borough, Edward S. Itta, 71, passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2016, in Barrow/Utqiagvik, Alaska, surrounded by his family after a courageous fight against cancer. Edward was born on July 5, 1945, to Noah and Mollie Itta; he graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in 1964, and trained as an electronics technician at the Griswold Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, and in the U.S. Navy. His first job took him to Prudhoe Bay as an oil field roustabout in the earliest days of Prudhoe development. He was working on the confirmation well at the time of the big discovery. Edward was raised in the traditional Inupiat way of life and loved fishing, hunting and camping, and was a successful whaling captain of Saggan Crew. Edward was active in the civic, cultural and spiritual life of the community. He was a past president of Inuit Circumpolar Council-Alaska, the U.S. arm of the international organization representing the world's Inuit people. He was the local government representative for Alaska on the Outer Continental Shelf Policy Committee. He was a past president of the Barrow Whaling Captains' Association and a past commissioner and vice-chairman of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. Edward served as president of the North Slope Borough School Board. He was vice-chairman of the federal government's subsistence advisory council for northern Alaska. He was a past Church Elder in the Utqiagvik Presbyterian Church. After Edward's two terms as Mayor of the North Slope Borough, President Obama appointed him to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. Edward was a dynamic presence and continued to be sought out as a voice for the Inupiaq. Edward served in a variety of positions for the North Slope Borough, including chief administrative officer; public works director, where he was instrumental in the dredge project, providing gravel for airports and roads that later helped in the development of the infrastructure of the villages; planning director and director of the capital improvement program. He also held positions for subsidiaries of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, including Arctic Slope World Services and the Arctic Slope Consulting Group, where he was involved in coordination of the North Slope village water and sewer construction program. He was president of LCMF and served on the boards of directors of UIC and Eskimos Inc. As Mayor he created the Healthy Communities Initiative to promote community-based activities and also created the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council recognizing the need to encourage student leadership for our next generations. His advocacy for healthy communities, our youth, Arctic issues and our subsistence way of life are an amazing legacy. Edward's accomplishments were recognized beyond the boundaries of the north slope, demonstrated by his being honored by 27th Alaska State Legislature for his dedication and service to the people and communities of the North Slope region. He was a fierce protector of the land and the environment while promoting economic development, working with leaders on the national and international stages, fighting for the rights of the Inupiaq and all Alaska Native people. His significant accomplishments in getting local concerns into the national offshore oil and gas policy debate will be part of his legacy that will guide many young Alaskans. The book "The Eskimo and the Oilman" by Bob Reiss tells Edward's story representing the Inupiat culture in trying to balance the need for energy with the love of the wild. His family and friends will fondly remember his great sense of humor, his infectious laugh and storytelling, and his passionate commitment to the values and people he held dear. Edward once said he hoped he had contributed leadership and guidance in pursuit of a shared vision. The people he worked closely with and those who saw him in action on a wider stage know he more than satisfied this goal. Edward made a difference; he left the world a better place. Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Elsie Hopson Itta, of 37 years; his children, Muriel Katuk Brower (Jason) and Price Qaiyauraq Itta (Bobby); and his grandchildren, Seth, Chase, Nancy, Summer, Noah and Hannah. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Richard Itta, Brenda Itta-Lee (Johnny), Dorcas Stein (Christian), Dora Itta, Ronald Itta (Susie), Kathy Ahgeak (Max), William C. Itta and Laura Itta; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. Edward was predeceased by his parents, Noah and Mollie Itta; and sisters, Doreen Itta and Martha Jack. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at the Cornerstone Church in Utqiagvik. Visitation will start at 12 p.m., with service at 1 p.m. The family is grateful for the prayers, support and the kindness everyone extended to the family.