Robert Kenneth Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving and a prominent figure in New Brunswick’s business community, died in Moncton on May 19 at the age of 71 after battling cancer.

Irving was part of the fifth generation of the Irving family business and played a major role in expanding the company across paper products, agriculture, food processing and transportation.

Career and Business Legacy

Born on Dec. 3, 1954, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Irving graduated from Acadia University with a business degree.

In 1977, he established J.D. Irving’s Moncton operations, helping strengthen the group’s regional business base.

His career included leadership across multiple sectors, including service as president of Irving Tissue, one of the group’s major paper products businesses.

Role in Family Business

Three of his children — Megan, Olivia and Robert James (R.J.) — later joined him in the business, continuing the family’s long-standing industrial legacy.

Honours and Recognition

Irving received several major honours, including:

• New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame
• PEI Business Hall of Fame
• Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame
• Order of New Brunswick
• Order of Moncton

These recognitions reflected his business leadership, community involvement and contributions to regional economic development.

Industry Insight

Robert Kenneth Irving’s career reflects the deep connection between family-owned industrial groups and Canada’s forest products sector. Through paper products, tissue, transportation and related businesses, his leadership helped shape part of Atlantic Canada’s manufacturing economy.

Last Updated on 22/05/2026 by Jota Machinery