It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert Kenneth Irving mark his passing today in Moncton, New Brunswick, following a courageous battle with cancer. Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, was born on December 3, 1954, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was the second-oldest son of James Kenneth Irving and Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving, a grandson of K.C. Irving, and a devoted brother to James (Jim), Mary-Jean and Judith. Together with his wife of nearly 40 years, Jill (née Gougeon), he raised four children: Megan (Jordan), Meredith (Lance), Olivia (Christopher), and Robert James (R.J.) (Samantha). His children were a great source of pride and joy, and he celebrated their accomplishments with love and admiration. That joy only grew when he became a grandfather to Warren, Sutton, Collins, and Fraser – a role he cherished deeply.

An innovative and tireless entrepreneur, Robert established and grew successful businesses in various sectors including paper products, food processing, agriculture and transportation. He believed in doing things right the first time and no detail was too small to ignore. He embodied a sentiment his father often quoted: “The best fertilizer is the farmer’s footsteps in the soil.” He thrived on being where the action was – in the fields with farmers, on the manufacturing floor, or in transport terminals. He especially enjoyed meeting with customers at their offices or hosting them at J.D. Irving locations.

Irving family announces the passing of Robert K. Irving