K. C. Irving facts for kids

Kenneth Colin Irving, also known as K. C. Irving, was a very successful Canadian businessman. He was born on March 14, 1899, in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. His family's business started with a sawmill in 1882. K. C. Irving became known for building a huge group of companies. In 1989, he was given the Order of Canada, a high honor for Canadians. He passed away on December 13, 1992.

Biography

K. C.'s Early Life (1899-1920s)

K. C. Irving grew up in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. His father, James Dergavel Irving, was a local businessman. K. C. was seen as a tough kid from a sawmill town. He started showing his business skills early on.

When World War I began, K. C. tried to join the army even though he was too young. His father did not approve. He sent K. C. to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When K. C. tried to enlist again in Halifax, his father sent him to Acadia University. In 1918, K. C. joined the Royal Flying Corps and trained to be a pilot in Britain. He returned to Bouctouche without finishing university.

Starting His Business (1920s)

Back in Bouctouche, K. C. Irving started working in sales. At age 22, he sold Ford cars for a dealer. Within two years, he had his own sales area.

In 1924, he opened a gas station under the Imperial Oil name. He lost that business within a year. So, he found a new supplier and opened a second gas station in 1925. This was the start of what became Irving Oil. It grew into a huge network of gas stations across the Maritimes.

At 26, K. C. was asked to take over the Ford dealership in Saint John, New Brunswick. This city became his home for many years. He also expanded his Ford business to Halifax and got the rights to sell Ford tractors across the Maritimes.

By 1929, he created K. C. Irving Gas and Oil Ltd. By 1930, he was selling gas in many towns across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. His gas business was selling millions of gallons of fuel each year. He also saw that buying land was a good business opportunity. In 1931, he built his main office, the Golden Ball building, in Saint John.

Growing the Companies (1930s-1940s)

In 1938, K. C. Irving took control of a company called Canada Veneers. This company made thin sheets of wood. He helped them improve their methods for cutting very thin wood.

During World War II, Irving got a contract to build wooden landing barges. These barges were used for D-Day. He set up factories and housing for workers in Bouctouche.

The 1963 Irving Refinery Strike

In 1960, workers at the Irving oil refinery in Saint John joined a union. They wanted higher wages, similar to what other oil refinery workers in Canada earned. The Irving refinery had good production but lower pay.

In September 1963, the workers went on strike. They asked people to stop buying gas from Irving stations. K. C. Irving got court orders to stop workers from protesting at his gas stations. He also hired new workers to replace the striking ones.

The strike became a big issue across Canada. The union asked for support, saying workers were being treated unfairly. In March 1964, a deal was reached. Irving agreed to raise wages, but called it "merit pay."

Moving Offshore

K. C. Irving often had disagreements with the Canadian government about taxes. On December 23, 1971, he left Canada. This was mainly because of changes to inheritance taxes.

Even though he moved, K. C. Irving remained the main owner of his companies. His sons took over the daily running of the businesses. From 1972 until he died, he would visit New Brunswick for "6 months, less a day" each year. In 2018, the Irving family's wealth was estimated to be around $12 billion US dollars.

Later Life and Death

K. C. Irving died at his home in Saint John. He was first buried with his wife in Bermuda. Later, their bodies were moved and re-buried near a Scottish-style church on the Irving family property in Bouctouche. Their graves are simply marked "Grammy and Grampy."

Legacy

In 1927, K. C. Irving married Harriet McNairn, his childhood sweetheart. They had three sons: James Kenneth (born 1928), Arthur Lee (born 1930), and John Ernest (born 1932). The family attended a Presbyterian church. After his sons graduated, K. C. Irving helped fund a new building for Rothesay Collegiate School.

After K. C. Irving's death, his group of companies was divided among his three sons and their children.

• James, the oldest, and his sons Jim and Robert, took charge of forest products and other parts of the business.
• Arthur, the middle son, took over Irving Oil. This company owns Canada's largest refinery in Saint John.
• Jack looked after construction, engineering, and the family's radio and television stations.

Companies Started or Acquired

Here are some of the many companies K. C. Irving started or bought. Companies he acquired (bought) are listed in italic print.

Political Views

K. C. Irving used to support the New Brunswick Liberal Association. However, he later started supporting the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. This change happened after the Liberal leader, Louis Robichaud, pushed back against special tax deals for big businesses like Irving's. Irving was also criticized for pollution from his factories.

See also

• Irving Group of Companies