Robert K. Irving, ‘heart and soul’ of J.D. Irving, Ltd., dies after cancer battle

CITYnews halifax / By Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press

FREDERICTON — Robert K. Irving, a senior member of the Irving family business empire synonymous with New Brunswick, has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.

Irving’s family said in a statement that he died Tuesday surrounded by his immediate family in Moncton, N.B. and is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.

“Mr. Irving passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 39 years, Jill, and their four children, Megan, Meredith, Olivia, and R.J.,” the family said in a news release.

“We are immensely grateful for his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the values, as well as to the employees, customers, and the communities we serve.”

The family added that he was “the heart and soul” of the company, “building and guiding it with passion, resilience, and purpose.”

Robert is a descendent of James Dergavel Irving, the son of Scottish immigrants who launched the transformative Irving business empire through the purchase of a sawmill in the 1880s.

Through subsequent generations, the Irvings expanded into other sectors including oil refining, liquid gas, construction and equipment, logistics and others — cementing their legacy as an economic powerhouse in New Brunswick.

The Irving business empire was split into three separate entities in 2010, divided among the three sons of K.C. Irving. The eldest son, James K. Irving, was chairman of forestry giant J.D. Irving Ltd. until his death in 2024.

J.D. Irving employs about 20,000 people across various sectors, including agriculture, forestry and shipbuilding.

Robert, the second-oldest son of James K. Irving, ran JDI as co-CEO with his older brother James “Jim” Irving, who survives him.

Robert Irving’s passing has prompted an outpouring of praise from federal and provincial politicians who say they remember him for both his business leadership and his philanthropic work.

Premier Susan Holt said in a statement that Irving championed the province as a place to invest. She also praised him for supporting community organizations and creating jobs.

“Robert was a dedicated leader whose work helped shape our economy and communities, and his legacy will continue through his business and through the lives he impacted,” Holt said. “Our thoughts are with his family and all those who knew him.”

A spokesperson for the family said last year that Irving had successful surgery for cancer in July 2025 and was undergoing treatment, but did not specify the type of cancer.

Irving was born in Saint John, N.B., on Dec. 3, 1954. After graduating from Acadia University with a business degree, Irving in 1977 established J.D. Irving Ltd.’s operations in Moncton, where he lived for the rest of his life, according to his family.

The Irvings are among Canada’s wealthiest families. Maclean’s magazine ranked the family fourth on a list of the richest Canadians, with a net worth of over $14 billion.

Constantine Passaris, acting chair of the University of New Brunswick’s economics department, said the Irving family’s group of companies — which also includes Irving Oil — have been a critical anchor for the provincial economy.

Passaris said Robert Irving in particular, as a leader of the forestry business, is among those who have “steered the ship away from the rocks” because his company still employs youth and fresh graduates despite industry headwinds.

“Despite the fact that these are very volatile and uncertain economic conditions, that business has shown good leadership and have contributed in a substantive manner to New Brunswick’s economic well-being,” Passaris told The Canadian Press by phone.

Irving received the Order of New Brunswick in 2024, in recognition of his extensive community involvement and contributions to the province.

He has also been inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and the P.E.I. Business Hall of Fame.

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said Tuesday that Irving “was a respected business leader who’s work, including his role with Cavendish Farms, helped shape a key part of Prince Edward Island’s economy.”

“His contributions supported communities across our province — and those contributions, Mr. Speaker, will not be forgotten.”

Heath MacDonald, the federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and MP for the P.E.I. riding of Malpeque, said he was saddened to hear of Irving’s passing.

“He was a highly respected business leader whose contributions spanned industries including paper products, transportation, food processing and agriculture, including here on Prince Edward Island,” MacDonald said in a post on social media.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and family man.”

Irving’s family noted how Robert was a big hockey fan. In 1996, he purchased the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. The team fell just short of a second consecutive league title Sunday night.

QMJHL Commissioner Mario Cecchini called his death “extremely sad” and described Irving as a “pillar and builder” within the league.

“What I remember above all is his passion for the players and his team,” Cecchini said in a statement. “He took incredible care of them, encouraging and supporting them to make their years in Moncton nothing short of memorable.”

Irving was also praised on Monday for his philanthropy.

The Friends of Moncton Hospital Foundation said he donated millions of dollars to advance patient care, equipment and services at The Moncton Hospital.

“Mr. Irving believed deeply in giving back to the community that meant so much to him,” the foundation said in a post to social media.

“His support extended far beyond health care, touching youth initiatives, social programs, recreational sports, the arts, service organizations, and countless charitable causes.”

Irving’s family said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2026.

Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press