Robert K. Irving, a key executive at New Brunswick forestry and shipbuilding giant J.D. Irving Ltd., has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.

Irving’s family made the announcement in a news release, saying he died today surrounded by his immediate family in Moncton, N.B.

A spokesperson for the family said last year that Irving had successful surgery for cancer in July, 2025 and was undergoing treatment, but did not specify the type of cancer.

Irving, who was co-CEO along with his brother Jim Irving, received the Order of New Brunswick in 2024.