Eaton family
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This article is about a Canadian retailing family. For other meanings see Eaton.
For other persons with the surname Eaton, see Eaton (surname).
The Eaton family of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, were owners of the Eaton's department stores, a national chain that was founded in 1869, and became bankrupt in 1999. At the family's height, their net worth was around $2 billion. Today, after the store's demise, "The Boys"—John, Fred, Thor and George—are collectively worth around $450 million. They and their wives and children continue to hold prominent positions in Toronto's society circles.
- Timothy Eaton, who immigrated to Canada from Ballymena, Ireland, founded the store.
- Sir John Craig Eaton, Timothy's youngest son, took over after his father died.
- Lady Flora McCrea Eaton, Sir John's wife, was a national icon.
- Robert Young Eaton, Timothy's nephew, took over the company on the death of Sir John.
- John David Eaton, Sir John and Lady Flora Eaton's son, took over the company when he turned 33.
- Signy Hildur Stefansson Eaton, wife of John David.
- John Craig Eaton, John David and Signy's eldest son.
- Fredrik Stefan Eaton, John David and Signy's second son, president of the company from 1977–1988, High Commissioner to Britain from 1988–1994.
- Thor Edgar Eaton, Third son of John David and Signy, horse-breeder.
- George Ross Eaton, Youngest son of John David and Signy, president of the company from 1988–1997.
- Nicole Courtois Eaton, wife of Thor, socialite, author.
- Cleophee Eaton, daughter of Thor and Nicky, socialite
- Nancy Eaton, great-great-granddaughter of Timothy, murdered in 1985.
- Billy Bishop, First World War flying ace, married a granddaughter of Timothy, Margaret Burden.
