Businessman John (Jack) Ernest Irving, an Anglican from the diocese of Fredericton, has been invested into the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour, “for his contributions throughout the Atlantic region to economic development and to philanthropic support of education and the arts.”

Mr. Irving and his wife, Suzanne, are members of Trinity Church in Saint John, N.B.

The youngest son of billionaire industrialist K.C. Irving, he shares the ownership of what is informally referred to as the Irving Group of Companies with his two brothers, J.K., and Arthur. He has served as executive vice-president of Irving Oil and director of many Irving companies. Known as the builder in the family, he led the construction of most of the Irving infrastructure in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

The Irving brothers have been active in community programs and partnerships in Canada and the United States and have supported charitable causes in the areas of education, environment and community needs.

“I consider myself fortunate to have worked with many great people over the years,” said Mr. Irving in a statement. “What I have accomplished would not have been possible without their efforts and the support of my family.”

He and his wife have three children, John, Colin, and Anne, and six grandchildren.