(RepublicanJournal.org) – The founder of the popular whole-grain milling company Bob’s Red Mill has died. Bob Moore passed away “peacefully” at 94 years old, leaving behind a company legacy that began as a humble farm in Oregon. His old-world approach to nutrition and high-quality, unprocessed food will now live on through the 700+ employees he entrusted it to.
Moore died on Saturday, February 10, 2024, leaving behind three sons, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, according to a statement on Bob’s Red Mill’s website. He worked hard to leave behind a strong company that benefited all of its employees — not just its executives.
He held a position on the board until he died, having turned over an estimated $24 million in stock to his employees in 2010 in celebration of his 81st birthday. He told OregonLive at the time that although he gave up the company’s ownership, “the boss part is still mine.” The workers hold stock in non-trading retirement account shares, meaning the business is 100% employee-owned.
The entrepreneur reportedly had an incredible work ethic, a “larger-than-life personality,” and a dedication to whole-grain foods. He and his late wife, Charlee, who died in 2018, donated heavily to Oregon State University. They established the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health in the College of Health. They offered up $25 million to start the Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness at Oregon Health and Science University.
Moore gave up his position as CEO in 2018 when he was 89 years old. The company’s current CEO, Trey Winthrop, said the late founder instilled his commitment to healthy, unprocessed foods to his employees. He noted that those who remain are dedicated to preserving his approach to nutrition and high-quality ingredients.
The company will hold a celebration of Moore’s life on Saturday, February 24, at the Whole Grain Store in Milwaukie, Oregon, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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