Efston, Evan

In Loving Memory of Evan Efston

February 28, 1928 – July 11, 2025

Evan Efston, a brilliant mind, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and beloved friend to many, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born in Davlia, Greece, Evan immigrated to Canada in 1960 to begin work as an industrial engineer at SKF. With courage, foresight, and a heart full of love, he wrote letters back home to his future wife, Asteria (Terri), inviting her to join him in building a life together in Canada—a life they lived fully and fearlessly for over six decades.

In 1970, Evan and Terri co-founded EfstonScience: The Science & Technology Agora, a trailblazing retail store and mail‑order catalogue business. It became Canada’s largest telescope retailer, beloved for its wide selection of tech innovations, educational toys and games, and futuristic gadgets. Ever the visionary, Evan designed and built the business’s 12,000 sq ft passive solar‑heated facility, which featured a huge telescope on the roof that became a Toronto landmark located across from Yorkdale Mall, and even had a basement workshop where he built his own airplane.

After decades of entrepreneurial success, Evan and Terri built their dream home in the picturesque town of Inglewood, just north of Toronto—a project that marked his version of retirement. But Evan never truly slowed down. His inventive spirit continued to flourish, not just in the design and details of the home, but through countless personal projects he always had on the go. He remained actively involved as Chairman of EfstonScience, offering his wisdom and business advice to his children, who proudly carry on his legacy. The store—founded in 1970 and known and loved by generations of customers—evolved in 2010 from a science and technology retail destination into a solar and renewable energy company, another forward‑thinking niche led by his children. Always ahead of his time, Evan’s entrepreneurial DNA lives on through them—because innovation, like family, was in his blood.

He leaves behind his devoted wife and partner in all things, Terri Efston; his loving children, Irene Efston and Nick Efston (Karri Troke); and his cherished granddaughters, Karah and Eva, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Evan was a man of deep curiosity and boundless energy—kind, wise, and always smiling. He stayed informed on world events, never stopped learning or creating, and loved to dance. A private pilot and aircraft builder, he flew his Cessna 150 out of Brampton Airport, and it was during one of his flights that he discovered the very land on which he and Terri would later build their perfect home—complete with a swimming pool, solar, and an elevator, because he knew he wanted to stay there until the end. And he did—on his terms, surrounded by love, and still riding his mower just days before his passing.

He had so many interests and hobbies that matched his insatiable curiosity—from aviation to astronomy, woodworking to photography, and even skeet shooting, which he particularly enjoyed. He was always inventing, building, fixing, and dreaming up his next project.

Known for sharing practical and profound life advice, one of Evan’s guiding lessons to his children was: “Manage your time, money, and emotions.”

He never smoked or drank, attributing his longevity to healthy living and the nourishing Mediterranean meals lovingly prepared by Terri. His presence was magnetic, his perspective always forward‑thinking, and his legacy of curiosity, craftsmanship, and care will continue to shine through the lives he touched and the family he inspired.

Evan Efston’s life was a testament to the power of love, imagination, and determination. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Evan’s name.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Efston home at 1 Kaufman Road, Inglewood on Sunday September 14^th from 1 to 5pm (drop-in) with the memorial at 3pm; For more details, please contact Irene at 416-995-3343 or cyberene@gmail.com.