Local Business Leader Robert K. Irving Passes Away

A prominent figure from New Brunswick’s Irving family has passed away.

Robert K. Irving, who served as co-CEO of J. D. Irving Ltd., died at his home in Moncton on Tuesday. The family shared the news in a statement.

“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,” the statement said.

Messages of condolence came flooding in from politicians and those in business and sports.

“It’s still sad moment because he was a pillar of the community,” Donald Savoie, an expert on public policy, told Information Morning Moncton.

“He was deeply committed to Moncton, even more committed to his Wildcats [hockey team], and he was a very successful business person. So for Moncton, for New Brunswick, it’s a big loss.”

WATCH | ‘He was a giant,’ Moncton’s acting mayor says: A member of New Brunswick’s prominent Irving family has died. Robert K. Irving, 71, died Tuesday at his home in Moncton. He was co-CEO of J. D. Irving Ltd. and president of Cavendish Farms.

Robert Irving led J. D. Irving alongside his brother, Jim Irving. The company is a significant employer in the region with divisions in forestry, retail, transportation and consumer products.

Anne Mc Inerney, J. D. Irving’s vice-president of communications, stated that no interviews would be given on Tuesday.

The statement released on Tuesday mentioned that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

The 71-year-old also held the position of president at Cavendish Farms based in Dieppe. This company operates facilities across Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Alberta and North Dakota.

Cavendish Farms is known as P. E. I.’s largest private-sector employer and one of the island’s biggest landowners. It claims to be North America’s fourth largest producer of frozen potato products.

Robert Irving owned the Moncton Wildcats hockey team which competes in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. The team plays its games at Moncton’s downtown Avenir Centre arena.

Robert Irving was the owner of the Moncton Wildcats. (CBC)

Born on December 3rd, 1954 in Saint John to James Kenneth Irving and Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving; he was also the grandson of K. C. Irving.

He graduated from Acadia University in Nova Scotia with a degree in business.

The family’s statement mentions that he established J. D. Irving’s operations in Moncton back in 1977 and had called this area home ever since.

“He was proud to represent the fifth generation within the family business. He felt fortunate to share both daily challenges and long-term vision with his brother Jim.”

Robert K. Irving, left, shown during a tour of an Irving Tissue plant in 2015. (CBC)

He spent nearly four decades married to Jill Irving and had four children along with four grandchildren.

A member of several prestigious halls including New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame and Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame; he received honors like the Order of Moncton awarded to him in 2020 as well as Order of New Brunswick expected later this year.

Premiers offer condolences

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt expressed her sympathies through a statement offered to media outlets regarding his passing.

“His contributions to our province have left a lasting impact providing many New Brunswickers with good-paying jobs supporting community organizations championing New Brunswick as an investment destination,” Holt said.

“Robert was a dedicated leader whose work helped shape our economy communities; his legacy will continue through both his businesses lives impacted by them.”

P. E. I.’s Premier Rob Lantz also conveyed condolences while addressing their legislature on Tuesday.

“Robert K. Irving stood out as respected business leader whose initiatives particularly through Cavendish Farms played an important role shaping part Prince Edward Island’s economy contributing significantly communities throughout province Mr Speaker those efforts will not fade away.”

“I trust that family finds comfort reflecting upon robust legacy he’s cultivated here within Prince Edward Island.”

The acting mayor from Moncton joined others sharing heartfelt messages expressing sorrow over loss

Paulette Thériault , Moncton’s acting mayor speaking reporters about death Robert Iriving.(Nicolas Steinbach/Radio-Canada)

“It’s tremendous loss city,” Paulette Thériault noted during press conference after announcement “he truly represented giant everyone recognizes now.”

“Whether it involved supporting local sports giving back non-profits consistently generous man”

The City Council reported businesses led by him provide over two thousand job opportunities surrounding Greater Area

Kym Wilson CEO Chamber Commerce Greater Montcon acknowledged how vital influence irving family firms exerted entire region being among leading employers

“Visionaries such as him rarely emerge” remarked Wilson “his understanding necessity give back nourished stronger community “
The description found under Order For new brunswick states Mr. irvings involvement various fundraising activities including chairmanship capital campaigns Friends moncoton hospital foundation generated over twenty million dollars.

“Mr. Irving’s contribution health sector greatly valued” remarked organization posting message via Facebook after learning about tragedy.

Treatment Received Last Year

This past September Canadian Press report indicating treatment diagnosed cancer condition undertaken irving.

A spokesperson confirmed undergone surgery related illness July twenty-nine currently engaged therapies however specifics regarding type ailment place care remain undisclosed.
Such diagnosis referenced coach Wild Cats Gardiner Mac Dougall during earlier conference held recently amidst playoff series progress team’s journey post-season.
“I can’t express enough gratitude towards owner Mr. irvings passion devotion culminated remarkable environment fostered players overall welfare” macdougall stated sixth may.”Clearly facing uphill challenge right now “.Monction Wildcat general manager Taylor Macdougall father coaching staff together robert irving May twenty-four (françois leblanc/radio-canada)

The wildcats clinched championship title prior failing replicate success experiencing setback chicoutimi saguenéens just days preceding irvings demise. Afterward player caleb desnoyers expressed feelings emotional distress voicing concern how he felt disappointing mr. irving somewhat. “‘What hurts me most knowing I didn’t fully meet expectations set forth’ ” Desnoyers admitted Radio Canada) “”My experience couldn’t ask better guidance support my career competing really intended honor representing him we poured every effort yet fell short.’.“
Commissioner Mario Cecchini league junior hockey expressed grief issuing official announcement yesterday evening concerning players impact sporting community stating “pillar builder QMJHL but rather memories forged accompanying exemplary care mentorship direction provided athletes forever cherished.”

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