Richard DeVos
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Richard DeVos, Sr. (born March 4, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a billionaire co-founder of Amway (restructured as Alticor in 2000). In 2006, Forbes magazine listed him as the 73rd wealthiest person in the world with an estimate net worth of USD$ 3.5 billion. In 2007, Forbes ranked him as the 249th richest person in the world reference.
DeVos is a heart transplant recipient and is the owner of pro basketball's Orlando Magic. DeVos, Sr. sits on the board of trustees of Northwood University and has sat as president on the Council for National Policy. Books written by him include Compassionate Capitalism [1] and Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons For Life [2]. The latter reflects his feelings after successfully undergoing a heart transplant operation in 1997. This was preceded by two heart-bypass operations in 1983 and 1992. [1] In 1975, DeVos published a book about his success, titled Believe!.
His son Dick DeVos is a member of the Republican Party, and lost the 2006 election as the Governor of Michigan in the Michigan gubernatorial race.
[edit] References
- ^ Levin, Doron. "Fate, patience bring DeVos a new heart: Amway cofounder back after journey for life", Detroit Free Press, October 8, 1997.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Forbes page about Richard Devos
- Forbes World's Richest People
- Richard DeVos at NNDB
- Richard DeVos' campaign contributions
Categories: 1926 births | Living people | American businesspeople | Amway people | Calvin College alumni | Dutch Americans | National Basketball Association executives | Orlando Magic | Orlando Miracle | People from Grand Rapids, Michigan | Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers | Women's National Basketball Association executives | Organ transplant recipients