John E. Irving

Who was John E. Irving?

John E. Irving CM was the youngest son of the industrialist K. C. Irving. Jack, as he was called, along with his brothers J.K. and Arthur and their three families, shared the ownership and operating responsibility for what is known informally as the Irving Group of Companies.

Following their father's death in 1992, ownership and responsibility for the Irving companies was divided as follows:

J.K. – ownership and responsibility for J.D. Irving, the conglomerate which has interests in forestry, pulp and paper, tissue, newsprint, building supplies, frozen food, transportation, shipping lines, and ship building.

Arthur – ownership and responsibility for Irving Oil, its retail stores, oil refinery, oil tankers and distribution terminals and facilities.

Jack – ownership and responsibility for construction, engineering, and steel fabrication companies.

All companies within the Irving conglomerate, including Irving Oil and J.D. Irving Limited, are vertically integrated and buy services and products from other companies within the conglomerate, thereby maintaining profits within their operations.

Jack Irving gained a reputation as being the most reflective of the Irving family, and was known for being far less aggressive than his older brothers when it came to business, choosing instead to listen intently and leave the talking to them. Many credit this to a kidnapping incident in 1982. Though he was found unharmed, the kidnapping left him aware of his own mortality and a shift in his personality was noted.