Robert Gould Irving

WASHBURN – Robert Gould Irving, 80, died February 2, 2020 in Bangor 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. Robert “Bob” graduated from Washburn District High School and then attended the University of Maine at Orono. Bob was raised on a farm and in 1958 became the 5th generation of his family to raise potatoes in Aroostook County. He raised seed, tablestock, and processing potatoes for over 50 years before retiring and turning the company over to his sons. He remained ever active as a consultant. Bob, along with his father and sons, was very active in the Standardbred harness racing industry as an owner, breeder, trainer, and driver. He was a lifelong member of the United States Trotting Association, 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 of the Northern Maine Fair Association, 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. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mavis Wallace Irving; a daughter, Lisa Irving Soderberg and husband, Carl Soderberg of Caribou; three sons, Scott and wife Filomena of Washburn; Steven and wife, Patti of Washburn; Jeffrey and wife Kim of Caribou. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Hillary Irving and partner, Peter Campbell of Caribou; Robbie Irving and wife, Meagan of Caribou; Allissa Irving of Boston, MA; Emily Soderberg of Boston, MA; Anna Soderberg of Caribou; Kenneth Irving and Kamryn Irving both of Washburn; Alexandra Schaller and husband, Ryan of Montreal, PQ; Jon Silber of Florence, SC; and seven great-grandchildren: Caleb Brown, Miles Collier, Libby Collier, Carter Irving and Evelyn Irving all of Caribou; Octavia Schaller and Raven Schaller of Montreal, PQ. Mr. Irving was predeceased by his parents, and a brother, K. Richard Irving. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and his beloved dog, Bo. Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 11am 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. Those who wish to contribute in memory of Bob may do so through the Caribou Technology Center – Agriculture Program, 308 Sweden Street, Caribou, Maine 04736.