Bob Moore, the bearded, bolo tie-wearing founder of Bob’s Red Mill, the whole-grain food brand, died at his home in Milwaukie, Ore., which is where the company is located. For decades, Moore was a recognizable figure known for his folksy charm and the illustration of his face that adorns each of the company’s products. Under Mr. Moore and his wife, the company grew from an artisanal Oregon business into a global conglomerate of stone-ground grains, with annual sales of over $100 million. Moore initially was hesitant to embrace the health-conscious approach that his brand promoted, but his father’s untimely death and his wife’s experimentation in whole-grain baking led him to believe in the important of healthy eating.
Having served on the board until his death, Mr. Moore continued to come into the office daily and was a major promoter of old-fashioned techniques. He was dedicated to the company, driving to work in his old Ford Model A, playing piano duets for visitors, and continued to conduct product tests three times a day. Later in life, Mr. Moore set aside $30 million to launch two academic hubs for nutrition and wellness and won the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship in the Scottish Highlands at the age of 87, ultimately leaving behind a remarkable legacy. He is survived by his three sons, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Bob Moore founded Bob’s Red Mill and saw it grow from a small Oregon business to a global company. He was once doubtful of the health-conscious approach promoted by his brand, but personal experiences led him to believe in the importance of healthy eating. He was a dedicated founder who continued to come into the office daily, pioneering old-fashioned techniques. He later set aside $30 million to launch two academic hubs and won the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, leaving behind a legacy of success and innovation. As a visionary leader and culinary expert, Bob Moore has forever changed the natural foods industry, and his impact will undoubtedly be long-lasting.
