Dr. Eftichios Van Vlahakis, founder and CEO of Earth Friendly Products, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2014 in Key Largo, Florida. Born on the Greek island of Crete in 1935, Van endured the hardships of German occupation during World War II. With resolve in his heart and $20 in his pocket, he left war-torn Greece in 1953 and emigrated to Chicago, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Roosevelt University. After several years working as a chemist, Van started his own cleaning products company, Venus Laboratories,in 1967. Inspired to create safer, greener cleaning products, he launched Earth Friendly Products in 1989.
Van was an extraordinary visionary who dedicated his life to creating a healthier, more sustainable world, for which he was granted an honorary doctorate from Roosevelt University in 2012. With an indomitable spirit and exceptional generosity, he fulfilled the quintessential American dream, inspiring everyone he touched to dream bigger.
Van's joy for life was legendary. He loved boating, scuba diving, traveling, Greek music, old movies, and above all spending time with his family. While Van left us too soon, he also left us with his rich legacy of generosity, compassion and dedication to protecting our precious planet. Van's influence was larger than life and his passion will live on within the hearts of his family, employees and friends.
Van with his Daughter Kelly at Los Angeles Greek Film Festival in 2012
Van especially loved Greek movies. He was a sponsor of LAGFF and a supporter of the work that the film industry from his homeland created. The organizers of LAGFF feel truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with him and the ECOS family to promote emerging filmmakers and environmentally friendly living through the cinematic arts. In 2011, Earth Friendly Products and LAGFF raised awareness for endangered species. The following year, LAGFF opened the festival with A GREEN STORY, a film chronicling Van's prolific life. This film forever preserves Van's mission, ensuring that his global vision for eco-friendly living will continue.
Van with his grand daughters at the opening of LAGFF in 2012.
Van is survived by his children John E. Vlahakis (Stephanie Anton Vlahakis), Elli Manolas (John Manolas), Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks (Eric Hanks); and by his grandchildren Alexandra Vlahakis, Ian Vlahakis, Zachary Vlahakis, Nicole Manolas, Stacy Manolas, Kasia Manolas and Alexsia Hanks. He is also survived by cousins, nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eftichios Van Vlahakis Scholarship Fund at Roosevelt University. For more information about the fund, please email scholarship@ecos.com.
