Robert W. “Bob” Gore, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of W. L. Gore & Associates and the inventor of Gore-Tex outerwear, passed away on Sept. 17 at the age of 83.
Gore assumed the chairman emeritus role in 2018 after 57 years of service on the Gore board, 30 of those as chairman. He also served as president of Gore from 1976 to 2000.
During his tenure as president, Gore became a billion-dollar enterprise.
Gore’s commitment to research and development led to his 1969 discovery of a versatile new polymer form, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The substance provided myriad new product applications including Gore-Tex Fabrics, the world’s first waterproof-breathable outerwear and a product that through the years has become synonymous with the outdoors, according to the company.
“Bob’s innovative spirit shaped our Enterprise from the very beginning, paving the way for W. L. Gore & Associates to improve lives and industries,” says Bret Snyder, Gore’s nephew and current Gore board chair. “We will continue to build on his legacy with a commitment toward breaking new ground and developing solutions that make the world a better place.”
For more information about Gore’s life, click here. — D.S.
