Rest in peace to Robert W. Gore, the inventor of the technology that spawned the waterproof Gore-Tex fabric. Bob died last Thursday at 83 years old. W. L. Gore & Associates made a statement about his passing:
“He is best known for his 1969 discovery 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.”
Difficult to quantify the effect Bob’s invention has had on the outdoor industry but lets just say it has been substantial. Bob is survived by his wife Jane and a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as four siblings. Much respect to this man.