Bob Moore founded the whole-grain food company Bob’s Red Mill alongside his wife, Charlee Moore.
- Died: February 10, 2024 (Who else died on February 10?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Milwaukie, Oregon, of natural causes at the age of 94.
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Bob Moore’s legacy
Moore was more than halfway through his life when he founded Bob’s Red Mill, inspired by reading the book “John Goffe’s Mill” and by his wife’s love for baking whole-grain bread. He had been managing a tire store, but in his late 40s, he established Bob’s Red Mill, initially in Redding, California, but ultimately settling in Portland, Oregon, as the company’s home base. Using millstones to grind whole grains in a traditional way that preserves the healthy bran and germ, Moore filled a much-needed niche in the growing health food market. The business became highly successful, selling its products around the world.
As the founder and public face of Bob’s Red Mill, Moore’s likeness appeared as part of the company’s logo on all its products. He often made appearances at the company’s Whole Grain Store in Milwaukie, Oregon, sometimes playing the piano to entertain his customers. He was known around town for his extensive collections of hats and bolo ties.
Over the years, Moore worked to transition Bob’s Red Mill to an employee-owned company, initially sharing profits with his employees and ultimately moving to a fully employee-owned model in 2020. He continued working for the company regularly until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 89, though he remained on the board until his death. A philanthropist, Moore made large contributions to Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University.
Notable quote
“I didn’t go into it to be in the health food business or anything. It just became a part of who I was, what I was, and I just have to think that that’s probably the right time. And now we’re selling our products all over the world, and whole grains are pretty hot.” —from a 2017 oral history interview for Oregon State University
Tributes to Bob Moore
Full obituary: The Oregonian
