In Memoriam: Bob Moore, Founder of Bob's Red Mill

Milwaukie, OR—Natural products industry legend Bob Moore, founder of Bob's Red Mill, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Moore was 94 years.

An announcement from the company spotlighted Moore's larger-than-life personality, his leadership and passion for whole grains, his generosity in establishing the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) on his 81st birthday, and his strong work ethic—Moore remained a Board Member at Bob's Red Mill until his death.

Moore founded Bob's Red Mill in 1978. In the early days, the company served only Portland, OR-area locals. Over the years the brand's popularity skyrocketed, and it is now a leading global food brand offering 200+ products in more than 70 countries. In 2010, More established the ESOP, transferring ownership to the team members who helped Bob andhis wife Charlee (who passed away in 2018)build and grow the brand. Today, more than 700 employee-owners own the company.

"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 Trey Winthrop, CEO of Bob's Red Mill, in the announcement. "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."

Members of the natural products community remember the parades through the Expo Halls. Remembering Moore's impact, WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and VP of Media Heather Wainer shared, "We lost a legend who really made a change. He always knew how to start a trade show with his band walking around."

In 2019, Rachel Appleton, then a newcomer to the industry working with WholeFoods Magazine, met Moore only briefly and shared the impact he had. Appleton shared: "Heading out of the hotel into the convention center one morning, I met an industry celebrity: the one and only, Bob Moore, founder of Bob’s Red Mill. Yes. He looked exactly like the logo. In our short conversation as we walked over to the center, we discussed farms and his years of experience in the industry."

The love for Moore came pouring in on the company's social media, with one loyal customer sharing, "There aren't many like Bob in this world. He was a man of integrity and compassion."

Many highlighted the positive impact the brand had on their lives, with one sharing, "He did wonderful things for those of us with gluten issues. What a legacy to leave behind." Indeed, Bob's Red Mill products were a regular in WholeFoods Magazine's What's Selling column, in which natural products retailers across the U.S. share the top-selling brands, as well as in the Natural Choice Awards, where natural products retailers vote on the brands that have had a biggest impact on their businesses.

Serving the Greater Good

Moore and his wife Charlee looked to inspire future generations through substantial financial contributions to Oregon universities, Bob's Red Mill shared in a tribute to the founder. The Moores helped fund the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition, and Preventive Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University, where they were named honorary Beavers for their significant donations. Generous contributions also helped establish the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness at Oregon Health & Science University, as well as many research programs throughout the state. 

Moore 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. Local friends and fans are encouraged to visit the Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store in Milwaukie, Oregon to share a memory in honor of Bob.