MILWAUKIE, Ore. — Bob Moore, founder of Bob’s Red Mill, died Saturday, company officials confirmed. He was 94, having celebrated the occasion last February.
“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.”
Moore's passion for healthy foods and whole grains led him to create the company in 1978. The Milwaukie-based company began just serving Portland, but quickly grew into a national brand, which offers over 200 products in more than 70 countries, according to the company.
Moore also enabled more than 700 employees to own the company by establishing the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 2010 on his 81st birthday. He remained a board member until his death, according to the company.
"I haven't retired yet," he told KGW on his 94th birthday, laughing. "I'm very pleased to have the life I live."
Moore and his late wife, Charlee, were named Honorary Beavers for contributing to Oregon State University, where they helped fund the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences. They also established research programs throughout the state, including the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness at Oregon Health & Science University.
Moore passed away peacefully at home, company officials said. 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 public celebration of life will be Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bob's Red Mill Whole Grains Store and Restaurant in Milwaukie.