Bob Moore, Founder of Bob’s Red Mill, Passes Away at 94

Mulwaukie, Oregon –

Bob Moore, the founder of Bob’s Red Mill, a renowned whole-grain food company, has sadly passed away at the age of 94.

The news of his death was announced by the Milwaukie, Oregon-based company in a heartfelt statement on Saturday.

“Bob was 94 years old and remained just as passionate about wholesome foods as the day he founded Bob’s Red Mill,” the company expressed, accompanied by several photos of the late founder. “His dedication, ingenuity, and respect for others will continue to inspire the employee owners of Bob’s Red Mill, as we strive to bring nutritious foods to people all around the world.”

The company also acknowledged that they would greatly miss his energy and larger-than-life personality.

A Life Devoted to Healthy Living

Bob Moore was born in Portland and raised in Southern California. He led a diverse career, owning gas stations and taking on various jobs, as shared by the company.

In 1953, he married his wife, Charlee, and together they had three sons.

The family eventually settled in Redding, California, where their journey in selling natural foods and whole grains began.

“After years of hard work and innovation, in 1974, Bob, along with Charlee and two of their sons, opened Moores’ Flour Mill in a Quonset hut in Redding, California,” as stated on the company’s website.

Later on, the couple retired to Milwaukie, Oregon, and while taking a walk, they stumbled upon an old feed mill that was up for sale.

“After much contemplation and prayer, they decided to take a leap of faith and establish what would soon become Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods. After all, Bob had already built Moores’ Flour Mill from scratch, and this time he had an actual mill to work with,” the company’s website recounts.

With a well-executed plan and determination, Bob and Charlee opened the doors of Bob’s Red Mill in 1978, attracting significant public and media interest.

By 2010, Bob’s Red Mill had achieved remarkable growth, with an estimated revenue exceeding $100 million, and its products being distributed in grocery stores worldwide. That same year, Moore transitioned the company to an employee-owned business model through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Earlier this year, Moore expressed his desire for the company to prioritize providing more for its employees during an interview with Portland Monthly.

“The Bible says to do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Moore reflected. “Sharing in the profit, sharing in the company to create fairness and benevolence, that’s what impressed me. And the more everyone organizes and works hard, the greater the profitability of the company, which translates into a higher value of ownership.”

Bob Moore’s passing is a great loss to the health food industry and the community he served. His legacy will continue to inspire and impact the lives of many.

This story was reported from Cincinnati.