Because Robert Irving is a name associated with several notable figures, the correct information depends heavily on the specific individual you are looking for.
The most prominent recent and historical figures named Robert Irving include:
1. Robert K. Irving (Canadian Business Leader & Sports Team Owner)
The most prominent news associated with this name is the passing of Canadian billionaire business executive Robert K. Irving at age 71 on May 19, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
CBC
Business Impact: He was the co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited—one of Canada’s largest family-owned conglomerates spanning forestry, shipbuilding, and retail—and served as the longtime president of Cavendish Farms.
FloHockey
Sports & Community: He was highly revered as the visionary owner and builder of the Moncton Wildcats junior hockey franchise (QMJHL) since 1996, leading the team to three league championships. He was appointed a Member of the Order of New Brunswick in 2024 for his extensive regional economic and philanthropic contributions.
Canadian Hockey League
2. Robert “Robert III” Irving (Jazz Musician & Composer)
If you are looking for an individual in the arts, Robert Irving III is an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger born in 1953.
Claim to Fame: He is best known for his extensive, decade-long collaboration with jazz icon Miles Davis during the 1980s. He served as Davis’s musical director, co-produced albums like Decoy and You’re Under Arrest, and is a permanent fixture in the modern fusion jazz scene.
3. Robert Augustine Irving (British Ballet Conductor)
In the classical music world, Robert Irving (1913–1991) was a highly distinguished British conductor. He served as the principal conductor for both the Royal Ballet in London and later the New York City Ballet, where he worked closely with legendary choreographer George Balanchine for over three decades.
Wikipedia
Clarifying Recent Local Obituaries
Canadian Hockey League
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If you are looking for a private citizen or looking up a recent regional funeral notification, several other individuals named Robert Irving have independent listings from early 2026:
Robert “Bob” Joseph Irving (Age 82, Quebec): Passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. He was well-known in his community for a 43-year career with CIBC and the Northern Credit Union.
Alternative Funeral Services
Robert “Bob” B. Irving (Age 85, New York): A U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, Elks Club member, and resident of Selkirk, New York, who passed away on February 20, 2026.
Meyers Funeral Home
