Bob Moore of Bob's Red Mill has died at the age of 94

Tim Steele and Lisa Balik

2 hours ago

Bob Moore of Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods celebrates his 93rd birthday in 2023 (KOIN).

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Bob Moore, who followed his midlife passion to found… Bob's red millHe died on Saturday at his home, officials linked to the company said. He was 94 years old.

He took his love of healthy foods and grinding whole grains to found the company in 1978 in Milwaukee. The company quickly grew from serving the Portland area to being a global food brand with more than 200 products in more than 70 countries.

When he was 81, he began an employee stock ownership plan for the company, officials said. At this time, the company has more than 700 employees.

He remained on the council until his death.

“Bob’s legacy will live forever in all of us who had the opportunity to work with him and was incorporated into the Bob’s Red Mill brand,” Trey Winthrop, CEO of Bob's Red Mill, said in a statement. He did everything he could to leave us on a strong path forward. We all feel a responsibility and incentive to maintain an old-world approach to unprocessed foods; Its commitment to pure, high-quality ingredients; And his generosity to employee owners and educational organizations that focus on nutritional health.

A celebration of life will be held at Bob's Red Mill store in Milwaukee at a future date. Details are pending review, but will be open to the public.

Bob spoke with KOIN 6 News in February 2022 about his life and times. Watch the video below

Bob Moore was easy to recognize. He was wearing a red jacket, hat, beard and tie — just like the picture on millions of packages of milled whole-grain products from oatmeal to flour.

He was born in Portland on February 15, 1929 but grew up in California. He ran two gas stations, then established a flour mill there. He turned it over to his sons, then retired with his wife to Milwaukee to attend seminary.

But when he found an old feed mill in Milwaukee, he decided to launch Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods when he was about 48 years old.

KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.