Joe Irving

Red Iron over the Canyon Joe Irving

Joe Irving, an ironworker from British Columbia's interior recounts his life of being born and raised in the Kootenay region. Born in 1911 his tales start with historical accounts and memories from life in a new frontier before the times of roads and electricity. As a young man growing up through the depression and other challenges of the time, Joe got a start in the construction and ironworker trades. From there he became a prominent figure in the iron trade and was part of that generation that built the bridges, dams, and power line infrastructure that British Columbians take for granted today. With a keen mind for detail, Joe's stories wonderfully describe the tools and challenges of the day, and span Western North America from Washington to the Yukon. Of course, the Kootenays, where Joe was born and raised, hold a special place in his heart and play prominently in his tales. Mixed with humour and opinion, Joe's lively descriptions will leave you daydreaming of times gone by.