Since its inception in 1978, Epscan Industries Ltd. has been more than just a business. It’s a family legacy that has grown alongside the Northern BC community it serves. The company’s success wasn’t built solely on its technical expertise in electrical and instrumentation services. It was built on a foundation of family values, people-centric leadership, and an employee-first mindset—values that continue to shape Epscan today.
This is the story of Epscan, told through the voices of the Stirling family.
Mid 70’s: How It All Began
Who is Epscan Industries? How did it come to life and why the name Epscan?
Epscan was founded by Don Stirling, Bob Churchill, and Earl Simms. Stirling and Churchill had been working at the Pacific 66 refinery and Simms was a construction supervisor. As Don and Bob honed their skills, they crossed paths with Earl Simms. The three quickly recognized the growing demand for electrical and instrumentation mechanics, and before long, their business plan began to take shape.
When they left to build the company in Fort St. John, Lynda Stirling vividly recalled that they had just $500 to their name. With no more than determination and a vision, they took a bold leap of faith—not just to start a business, but to create a legacy. A company that would be different, one built on family values and a deep commitment to its people.
At the same time Don was busy laying the groundwork for the company, his wife was preparing for another major event—the birth of their first child. Just a few months after Shane Stirling was born, Epscan officially came into existence.
“I was born in March 1978, and Epscan was born in October of 1978. So, it’s very easy for me to remember how old Epscan is.”
– Shane Stirling, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
But why the name “Epscan”? According to Shane Stirling, Don’s son, Don liked to tell his kids that the original name was going to be “Epscam”—short for Electrical, Pneumatic Systems, Controls, and Maintenance—but realizing that might raise some eyebrows, when they had nothing in mind, they swapped the “m” for an “n”.
At least that’s what Don told his children. From here, the family moved to begin creating the Stirling legacy.
Curious to learn how the Stirling family created their legacy? Click here.
