‘Heart and soul of J.D. Irving’: Robert K. Irving dies after battle with cancer

Robert K. Irving, who was a central figure in the Irving family, has died.

Robert K. Irving has died in Moncton, N.B., after a battle with cancer.

He was a member of New Brunswick’s prominent Irving family and one of the chief executive officers at J.D. Irving.

“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.,” said the company in a statement Tuesday. “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. He has been the heart and soul of J.D. Irving Moncton, building and guiding it with passion, resilience, and purpose.”

J.D. Irving previously announced in September 2025 that Robert Irving had undergone surgery for cancer in July 2025 and was undergoing treatment. The company did not say what kind of cancer he had.

Robert Irving’s brother, co-CEO Jim Irving, had been leading operations for the New Brunswick company while his brother sought treatment.

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

After graduating with a business degree from Acadia University, Robert Irving began working for the company in 1977.

In a statement, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said Robert Irving’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the province and provided many residents with good-paying 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,” said Holt, who also noted he championed New Brunswick as a place to invest.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all those who knew him.”

Robert Irving received the Order of New Brunswick in 2024 for his “profound and extensive community involvement, his generosity and his exceptional altruism towards the advancement of his community and province.”

“Beyond his roles as a leader and father, he has also been a mentor and trusted friend to many,” said J.D. Irving in its statement. “His impact will be long lasting, and his legacy will continue to shape and inspire this organization for years to come.”

The company says funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

‘A gentleman in the first order’

Author and scholar Donald Savoie, who wrote “Thanks for the Business: K.C. Irving, Arthur Irving, and the Story of Irving Oil,” in 2020 said he was deeply saddened to hear of Irving’s death.

“He was a gentleman in the first order. Always very polite,” said Savoie. “When we first met, he always spoke to me in French invariably, and then we would switch to English.”

Savoie said Robert Irving and his brother Jim were an incredible duo that got along very well.

“They were tight. And they made the case that it is possible, very possible, to mix business and family. And they did. Very successfully,” said Savoie. “There was never any animosity between the two. They were quite good as a team.”

As far as his legacy, Savoie said Irving is leaving behind a deep commitment to the province and the City of Moncton.

When universities, hospitals and foundations in New Brunswick needed a helping hand, the Irvings were always there, said Savoie.

“I know as a fact that the Irvings give a lot, but they also give a lot that we don’t know about. And Robert was like that. He gave to Moncton in ways we’ll never know about,” said Savoie.

‘He was a giant’

City of Moncton Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault also praised Irving for his philanthropy.

“He’s given to many not-for-profits. He also gave to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital. The list is quite long actually. He was just a very generous citizen of the City of Moncton.

Thériault expressed her condolences to the family and all that were close to him.

“It’s a great loss for the city. He was a giant, really. I think we all recognize that now,” said Thériault. “It’s also important to mention that he lived here for 50 years. He raised his family here. He was a citizen of the City of Moncton.”

Moncton Wildcats play-by-play announcer Marty Kingston called it a sad day for the city and a sad day for major junior hockey across the country.

“It’s a major loss,” said Kingston. “It’s very special to be a player with the Moncton Wildcats and the players know that. Robert was exceptionally proud of the team and passionate for the game.”

Savoie said Irving was deeply connected to Moncton and to the Wildcats.

“He lived by them,” said Savoie.

With files from The Canadian Press

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