J.D. Irving, Limited announced the death of co-CEO Robert K. Irving, who passed away May 19 in Moncton, New Brunswick, following what the company described as a courageous battle with cancer.
Robert K. Irving, born in Saint John in 1954, was part of the fifth generation of the Irving family business and spent nearly five decades helping expand J.D. Irving, Limited across multiple sectors, including forest products, paper, transportation, food processing and agriculture.
After graduating from Acadia University, Irving established the company’s operations in Moncton in 1977 and remained closely tied to the city throughout his career. Alongside his brother Jim Irving, he helped guide one of Canada’s largest privately held companies through decades of growth and diversification.
In its statement, the family highlighted Irving’s hands-on management style and long-standing focus on operational detail, customer relationships and employee engagement. The company said he remained actively involved in the business until recently and often described his work as only beginning despite nearly 50 years with the organization.
Beyond industry, Irving was widely known in Atlantic Canada for his involvement in sports, healthcare fundraising and community initiatives. In 1996, he founded the Moncton Wildcats hockey club, which went on to win three QMJHL championships.
He also supported numerous education, literacy and healthcare projects in New Brunswick, including recent fundraising efforts tied to the Moncton Hospital’s Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit.
Over the years, Irving received several honours recognizing both his business leadership and community involvement, including the Order of Moncton, the Order of New Brunswick and inductions into multiple business and agriculture halls of fame.
He is survived by his wife Jill, their four children and several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
J.D. Irving, Limited operates across forestry, paper, transportation, shipbuilding, food processing and industrial sectors, with operations throughout Canada and the United States.
