Bob Moore, Founder of Bob’s Red Mill, Dies at 94

Founded in 1982, Bob’s Red Mill has announced the passing of Bob Moore.

Bob Moore is one of the most recognized faces of the natural foods industry and the face of Bob’s Red Mill.

Mills peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 94.

Moore is devotedly known for his larger-than-life personality, leadership and passion for whole grains. His strong work ethic saw him remaining on the Board of Bob’s Red Mill until his death and the establishment of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) on his 81st birthday.

Bob’s Red Mill ESOP in 2010 made the company a 100% employee-owned company. The ESOP saw the transfer of ownership to the people who helped Bob & Charlee build and Grow Bob’s Red Mills.

The Formation of Bob’s Red Mills stems from Bob and Charlee’s perennial entrepreneurship in 1978 but significantly from their experience with parenthood.

Initially serving only the Portland, Oregon area locals, the company quickly grew to a natural food powerhouse with over 200+ products in more than 70 countries and over 700 employee-owners.

Over the years, Moore and his wife Charlee, who passed away in 2018 looked to inspire future generations through substantial financial contributions to Oregon universities. Contributions winch have led to the Moores being named honorary Beavers for their significant donations to Oregon State University, where they help fund the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition, and Preventative Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

His contributions also lead to the establishment of the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness at Oregon Health & Science University, as well as many research programs throughout the state.

“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.

“He did everything he could 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.”  

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.

A celebration of life service is being planned; details to be announced. In the meantime, local friends and fans are encouraged to visit the Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store in Milwaukie, Oregon to share a memory in honour of Bob.

SOURCE Bob’s Red Mill