UMVA has learned that Robert K. Irving, the visionary behind New Brunswick’s towering forestry and shipbuilding empire, has passed away at 71 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Family members described him as the “heart and soul” of J.D. Irving Ltd., a conglomerate that fuels the province’s economy and community life.
He slipped away peacefully at his Moncton home, surrounded by his wife of 39 years, Jill, and their four children—Megan, Meredith, Olivia and R.J.—leaving a silence that will echo through boardrooms and forests alike.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Irving’s leadership was defined by relentless vision, an unwavering commitment to core values, and a deep devotion to employees, customers, and the towns that depend on the company.
In 1977 he planted J.D. Irving’s roots in Moncton, a decision that anchored the family’s fifth‑generation legacy to the region and shaped the lives of roughly 20,000 workers across agriculture, forestry, shipbuilding and more.
He shared the co‑CEO mantle with his brother Jim, who kept the enterprise steady while Irving underwent surgery and treatment for an undisclosed cancer earlier this year.
His impact stretched far beyond business. In 2024 he received the Order of New Brunswick, honoring his profound community involvement, generosity, and altruism.
He also earned inductions into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and the P.E.I. Business Hall of Fame, testaments to a lifetime of service.
Passionate about sport, Irving founded the Moncton Wildcats Hockey Club in 2006, guiding the team to three QMJHL championships and cementing his legacy in the hearts of local fans.
Beyond titles and trophies, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle to seventeen nieces and nephews, a pillar of love for his family.
The loss reverberates through the community, the workforce, and the countless lives he touched; his children will carry forward the spirit he infused into every venture.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, allowing friends and colleagues to gather and celebrate a life lived with purpose, resilience, and boundless generosity.
