Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving Limited, Dies After Battle With Cancer

The Canadian business community is mourning the loss of Robert K. Irving, the long-time co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, who passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Moncton following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 71.

Born on December 3, 1954, in Saint John, Robert Kenneth Irving was the second-oldest son of James Kenneth Irving and Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving, and the grandson of legendary businessman K.C. Irving. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to both his family and the family business that became one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies.

Irving is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Jill Irving, their children Megan, Meredith, Olivia, and Robert James “R.J.” Irving, as well as his beloved grandchildren Warren, Sutton, Collins, and Fraser.

Family members described Robert as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and passionate businessman whose greatest joy came from watching his family grow and succeed.

After graduating from Acadia University with a business degree, Irving established J.D. Irving’s Moncton operations in 1977 and made Moncton his lifelong home. Over nearly five decades, he helped expand the company across multiple industries, including transportation, agriculture, food processing, paper products, and manufacturing.

Known as a hands-on leader, Irving believed strongly in hard work, attention to detail, and being directly involved in operations.

“He thrived on being where the action was,” family members shared, whether in fields with farmers, manufacturing facilities, or transportation terminals.

Despite overseeing a major business empire, Robert Irving was widely admired for his humility and his commitment to employees. Friends and colleagues said he consistently credited the success of the company to the people who worked within it.

“He cared deeply about the people around him,” one longtime associate said. “Employees were never just numbers to Robert.”

Irving also left a lasting mark on the sports world in New Brunswick through his passion for hockey. In 1996, he founded the Moncton Wildcats, helping build one of the region’s most successful junior hockey organizations.

Under his leadership, the Wildcats captured QMJHL championships in 2006, 2010, and 2025, while also hosting the Memorial Cup in 2006.

Those close to him said he rarely missed a game and took tremendous pride in mentoring young athletes.

“Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” he often said.

Beyond business and sports, Irving was recognized throughout Canada for his philanthropy and dedication to healthcare, literacy, youth programs, and community development.

He played a leading role in several major healthcare fundraising initiatives, including serving as campaign chair for the Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit at The Moncton Hospital.

Over the years, Irving received numerous prestigious honours, including induction into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame, and the PEI Business Hall of Fame.

He was also awarded both the Order of Moncton and the Order of New Brunswick for his extraordinary contributions to the province and its communities.

Friends, colleagues, employees, and community leaders across Canada have continued sharing tributes honoring Irving’s leadership, generosity, and lasting influence.

Many remembered him as someone who believed deeply in community, family, hard work, and helping others succeed.

“Robert loved to win,” one tribute shared, “but he found just as much joy in seeing others succeed alongside him.”

His death leaves a profound void for his family, employees, business partners, and the countless people whose lives he impacted throughout his decades of leadership and service.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family at a later date.