Richard DeVos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard DeVos
|
|
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg)
DeVos in 1975
|
|
| Born |
Richard Marvin DeVos
March 4, 1926 |
| Died | September 6, 2018 (aged 92) |
| Alma mater | Calvin College |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Amway founder; owner of NBA's Orlando Magic |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children |
|
Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. (born March 4, 1926 – died September 6, 2018) was a very successful American businessman. He was best known as the co-founder of the company Amway and as the owner of the Orlando Magic basketball team. He was known as one of the richest people in the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard DeVos was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents, Ethel and Simon DeVos, were Dutch-American. He went to Grand Rapids Christian School and later to Calvin College. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps.
Business Career
Starting Amway
In 1959, Richard DeVos and his school friend, Jay Van Andel, started a company called Amway. They began by selling cleaning products directly to people. They built a network of sellers, and their business grew very quickly. Over the years, Amway became a huge international company that sold many different types of products.
Writing Books
Richard DeVos also wrote several books. Some of his books include Compassionate Capitalism and Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons For Life. The book Hope From My Heart shared his thoughts after he had a successful heart transplant in 1997. He had two heart surgeries before that, in 1983 and 1992. In 2014, he wrote a book about his life called Simply Rich.
Owning Sports Teams
Richard DeVos was the owner of the NBA team, the Orlando Magic. He bought the team in 1991. He became interested in owning a team after trying to get a Major League Baseball team for Orlando.
He also used to own other sports teams, like the Orlando Solar Bears, Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Kansas City Blades. These were all hockey teams. Today, his son, Dan DeVos, owns the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The Amway Center, where the Orlando Magic play, is named after his company.
Serving on Boards
DeVos was part of many important groups and organizations. He was on the board of trustees for Northwood University and the National Constitution Center. He also led the Council for National Policy.
Political Activities
Richard DeVos was a big supporter of the Republican Party in the U.S. He also supported groups that shared his conservative views. He was a close friend of former President Gerald Ford. He was an honorary pallbearer at Gerald Ford's funeral.
Giving Back
Richard DeVos and his wife, Helen, started the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation in 1970. This foundation gives money to many different causes. They were known for helping with education, health care, and the arts. They also supported groups that study and promote conservative ideas.
For example, they helped fund centers and programs at places like Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and the University of Central Florida.
Personal Life
Richard DeVos had four children: Dan, Richard Jr. (also known as "Dick"), Cheri, and Doug. Dick DeVos is married to Betsy DeVos, who was a U.S. Secretary of Education.
Richard DeVos was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. He spent many years trying to reunite his church with another church it had split from long ago.
Death
Richard DeVos passed away at his home in Ada Township, Michigan on September 6, 2018. He was 92 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Richard DeVos para niños
