K.C.: The Biography of K.C. Irving

by Douglas How, Ralph Costello

Born in the tiny community of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, at the turn of the century, K.C. Irving became a billionaire in one of Canada's poorest provinces and although he was one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, few people outside the Atlantic provinces even knew his name. Fewer still knew the man himself. Yet his holdings ranged from vast forest operations, Canada's largest oil refinery, service stations and convenience stores to pulp, paper and newsprint mills, Canada's busiest shipyard, fleets of ships, international trucking systems, newspapers, radio and television stations, and much more. K.C. Irving remained an enigmatic, reclusive figure for most of his life. He shunned interviews, and his sons and relatives were almost as inaccessible. In K.C., authors Douglas How and Ralph Costello give the reader the first inside look at the life and work of Canada's most private billionaire. In an unprecedented move, How was given access to the multitudinous Irving operations and was able to spend over 90 hours with Irving himself. Costello draws on his fifty years as a journalist, writer, editor, and publisher in New Brunswick, and on his time as head of all Irving-owned media. The authors trace K.C. Irving's rise from his first service station in his hometown and a Ford dealership in Saint John to the launching of Irving Oil and a career that would eventually lead to his involvement in virtually every aspect of New Brunswick business, industry, and politics. He fought with a passion for what he believed in, taking on local competitors and international giants with equal determination. But he was more than simply an industrialist. He was also the pioneer of an ambitious and highly successful reforestation program decades before New Brunswick forestry experts thought it possible or even worthwhile. In this unforgettable portrait of the man who changed the face and future of a province, Irving emerges as a fascinating, difficult, brilliant, and complex m

Genres: Biography

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Rob Mills]

I didn't know much about the Irving family, save that they were big on the east coast and in oil. The book does a good job of building a chronological narrative (most of the way) with lots of fun anecdotes that help build up a portrait of a man who appears to have been extremely private. An amazing story of a true 'builder' and interesting to see how the great man created his great asset base (I would say fortune but it doesn't seem in keeping with his attitude). The end of the book rounds out with little stories the authors picked up in their travels they wanted to share. About 400 pages, easy enough read.

[Daren Doucet]

Great biography of an incredibly strong personality who could look well into the future and see how things could make money.

Relentless. Never stop. Long hours to get the job done. Location, location, is, pretty important. Supply yourself from the raw resources you need to make a go! Make more money!

Great book for any entrepreneurial spirit, any business man out of university or college should read this!

[April]

A great look at the industrialist who forever changed the face of New Brunswick. As someone who has worked for two of his companies, this was an insightful read for me. Such an interesting and dynamic man.

[Grace Burtt-Dykstra]

Very interesting and informative book on KC. Born and raised in Saint John I am well aware of his influence in business throughout the province. There were some surprises for me and I found this book to be fascinating. Brought back many pleasant memories for me.

[Wendell Hennan]

Originally manuscripted in the 80's and abandunoned, the cumulative efforts of How and Costello was published in 1993. I have read two more recent books on the Irvings but this book reveals more of the personal life of KC Irving and tells more stories remembered by friends and foe than the more recent books.

The book is also a fascinating recap of the history of New Brunswick in terms of economy and political events.

As always, books of the Irving family amaze the reader with the many business ventures under the family's direction and the humility and work ethic core evident in the family. It is hard to imagine what life in New Brunswick would be like without the achievements of KC and his sons and grandsons. Had it been left to the influence of politicians, who have continually bungled and made unsound decisions and investments with public monies, the province would be in even worse financial straits than it is at present.

A must read for every New Brunswicker.