Arthur L. Irving, the esteemed businessman and former president of Irving Oil, was honored with a memorial service held at his Saint John, N.B. residence on Saturday. Irving, the second son of renowned New Brunswick industrialist K.C. Irving, passed away on Monday at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the oil industry.
Irving’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to expanding the oil business founded by his father. He assumed the presidency of Irving Oil in 1972 and held the position of chairman emeritus at the time of his passing. A testament to his business acumen, Forbes Magazine recognized Irving as one of Canada’s top 10 wealthiest individuals in 2023, with an estimated net worth of $6.3 billion. Notably, this figure encompasses Canada’s largest oil refinery, a testament to Irving’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Irving’s passing was met with profound sadness, and his obituary, published online by a Saint John funeral home, conveyed the details of the memorial service held at his home on Saturday morning. The obituary also expressed the family’s request for those wishing to honor Irving’s life to consider making donations to the Mass General Cancer Center, a reflection of his commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives.
The Canadian Press initially reported this news on May 18, 2024. Irving’s contributions to the Canadian business landscape and his dedication to the growth of Irving Oil have left an enduring mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.