Bob Moore, founder of Bob's Red Mill, died at home, Saturday, at the age of 94. Moore will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, leadership and passion for whole grains, strong work ethic, and generosity, according to Bob’s Red Mill. Moore remained a board member of the grain company until his death.
Founded by Moore in 1978, the company initially served Portland, Oregon-area locals, but quickly grew distribution nationally. It is now a global brand offering more than 200 products in over 70 countries. On his 81st birthday, Moore established the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, a program that allows employees to own shares of the company. More than 700 employees own Bob's Red Mill.
"Bob's legacy will live on forever in all of us who had the opportunity to work with him and is infused into the Bob's Red Mill brand," said Bob's Red Mill CEO Trey Winthrop in a statement. "He did everything in his power to leave us on a strong path forward. All of us feel responsible and motivated to preserve his old-world approach to unprocessed foods; his commitment to pure, high-quality ingredients; and his generosity to employee-owners and educational organizations focused on nutritional health."
Over the past decade, Moore and his wife Charlee, who passed away in 2018, looked to inspire future generations through financial contributions to Oregon universities, said Bob's Red Mill. At Oregon State University they helped fund the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition, and Preventive Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Magnanimous contributions also helped establish the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness at Oregon Health & Science University, as well as additional research programs throughout the state.
He is survived by his three sons, Ken, Bob, Jr., and David; daughters-in-law Dora, Barbara, Ashleigh, and Terry; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.