Standardbred breeder/owner/horseman Robert Gould Irving, 80, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2020, in Bangor, Maine, surrounded by his family.
He was born May 2, 1939, in Presque Isle, the son of the late Kenneth L. Irving and Helen (Gould) Irving.
Irving graduated from Washburn District High School and then attended the University of Maine at Orono. He was raised on a farm and in 1958 became the fifth generation of his family to raise potatoes in Aroostook County. He raised seed, tablestock, and processing potatoes for more than 50 years before retiring and turning the company over to his sons. He remained ever active as a consultant.
Along with his father and sons, Irving was very active in the Standardbred industry as an owner, breeder, trainer, and driver. He was a lifelong member of the United States Trotting Association.
He was also a member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, director of the Aroostook Trust Company, director of the National Potato Board, administrative committee of the National Potato Board, vice-president and director of the Northern Maine Fair Association, president of Irving Farms Inc., vice-president and director of Sure Winner Foods, Inc., officer and director of Irving Complex, Inc., officer and director of Crown Equipment Inc., partner and developer of Country View Estates, director of Pro-Gro Inc., officer and co-founder of Tri-Winner Irving, Inc., director of Frozen Foods, Inc., and director of Irving Farms Marketing, Inc.
He greatly enjoyed his family, farming, winters in Florida golfing, and remained an avid fan of harness racing.
Irving is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mavis Wallace Irving; daughter, Lisa Irving Soderberg (Carl Soderberg); sons, Scott (Filomena), Steven (Patti) and Jeffrey (Kim); grandchildren, Hillary (partner, Peter Campbell), Robbie (Meagan), Allissa, Emily Soderberg, Anna Soderberg, Kenneth, Kamryn, Alexandra (Ryan) Schaller and Jon Silber; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Brown, Miles Collier, Libby Collier, Carter, Evelyn, Octavia Schaller and Raven Schaller. Irving was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, K. Richard. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and his beloved dog, Bo.
Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, on Sunday (Feb. 9) from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday (Feb. 10) at 11 a.m. from the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Timothy Wilcox officiating. A time of continued fellowship and refreshments will be held following the funeral. Spring interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou.
Memorial contributions may be made through the Caribou Technology Center, Agriculture Program, 308 Sweden St., Caribou, ME 04736.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Irving.
(USTA)