Richard DeVos & family

$5.40 B

Ranked #351 in World

About Richard DeVos & family

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr., an influential American billionaire and entrepreneur, who made an indelible mark in the business world by co-founding Amway with Jay Van Andel in 1959, passed away on September 6, 2018, at his Ada, Michigan home. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, DeVos, a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, expanded Amway into a global multi-level marketing giant, authored key literature like "Compassionate Capitalism," and owned the NBA's Orlando Magic since 1991. A significant supporter of the U.S. Republican Party and conservative causes, DeVos also championed education and healthcare through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation. His legacy endures through his philanthropy, political activism, and influence in both business and sports, symbolizing a lifetime of achievement and conservative advocacy until his passing at 92.

Born

March 04, 1926 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S

Died

September 06, 2018 (aged 92)

Source Of Wealth

Amway

Industries

Service

Citizenship

United States

Education

Drop Out, Calvin College

Spouse

Helen Van Wesep (Married: 1953–died 2017)

Children

Dick, Dan, Cheri, Doug

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. was born on March 4, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dutch American parents. He received his early education at Grand Rapids Christian School and later attended Calvin College.

Richard DeVos & family: Family

Richard DeVos was married to Helen Van Wesep, and together they had four children: Dan, Richard Jr. ("Dick"), Cheri, and Doug. He was a devoted family man and actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Richard DeVos & family: Career Highlights

Richard DeVos's most notable career achievement was co-founding Amway with Jay Van Andel in 1959. Amway started as a small business but grew into a multi-level marketing giant, distributing various products worldwide.

DeVos also ventured into sports ownership. He purchased the NBA team Orlando Magic in 1991 and owned several hockey franchises, including the Orlando Solar Bears, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Kansas City Blades.

Richard DeVos & family: Companies

Richard DeVos was primarily associated with Amway, where he served as the company's president and chairman. He was instrumental in shaping Amway's business strategies and expanding its global reach.

Richard DeVos & family: Major Achievements

DeVos's major achievements include building Amway into a multi-billion dollar enterprise and becoming a prominent figure in the business world. He was also recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation.

Richard DeVos & family: Awards & Achievements

Richard DeVos received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Some notable recognitions include the Horatio Alger Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received from President George W. Bush in 2006.

Richard DeVos & family: Personal Life & Legacy

DeVos was a devout Christian and a member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. He was actively involved in religious and charitable activities and made significant contributions to various educational institutions and healthcare organizations.

Richard DeVos's legacy is marked by his entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and philanthropic endeavors.

He is remembered as a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a dedicated family man.

Richard DeVos & family: Trivia

Richard DeVos had a passion for flying and held a pilot's license. He enjoyed piloting his own plane and often used it for business and personal travel.

DeVos was also an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed basketball and hockey. His ownership of the Orlando Magic and several hockey franchises reflects his love for sports.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 4, 1926

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. is born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dutch American parents.

1959

Co-founds Amway with Jay Van Andel, a multi-level marketing business that grows into an international distributor of various products.

1987

Appointed to the President's Commission on the HIV Epidemic by President Ronald Reagan.

1991

Owns the NBA team Orlando Magic.

September 6, 2018

Passes away at his home in Ada, Michigan, at the age of 92.

Richard DeVos & family : FAQs

What is Richard DeVos's net worth?

As of 2018, Richard DeVos's net worth was $5.40 billion.

What are Richard DeVos's main sources of wealth?

Richard DeVos's main source of income comes from Amway.

In which industry does Richard DeVos primarily operate?

Richard DeVos is primarily involved in the Service industry.

What is Richard DeVos educational background?

Richard DeVos is a dropout from Calvin College.

Is Richard DeVos dead?

Yes, Richard DeVos died on September 06, 2018 (aged 92).

How many children does Richard DeVos have?

Richard DeVos has 4 children.

Who was Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. and what is he known for?

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. was an American billionaire businessman, known for co-founding Amway, a multi-level marketing company, and owning the NBA team Orlando Magic. He was also a significant donor to conservative causes and the U.S. Republican Party.

What were some of Richard DeVos Sr.'s major contributions to education and the arts?

Richard DeVos Sr. co-founded the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, which supported education, healthcare, arts, and conservative think tanks. Notably, his philanthropy included funding centers and facilities at Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Grand Rapids Christian Schools.

How did Richard DeVos Sr. use his wealth in the political arena?

Richard DeVos Sr. was a major donor to the U.S. Republican Party and conservative causes, supported candidates such as Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, served as a finance chairman for the Republican National Committee, and was appointed to the President's Commission on the HIV Epidemic by Ronald Reagan.

Can you list some significant achievements in Richard DeVos Sr.'s business career?

Significant achievements in DeVos's career include co-founding Amway, a leading international distributor of various products; authoring books like "Compassionate Capitalism"; and owning sports franchises such as the Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Kansas City Blades.

What was Richard DeVos Sr.'s background and early life like?

Richard DeVos Sr. was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dutch American parents, attended Grand Rapids Christian School and Calvin College, and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, setting the stage for his later success in business and philanthropy.