Free Republic

Rich DeVos, a self-made billionaire who co-founded Amway and purchased the Orlando Magic in 1991, died Thursday in Ada, Mich., due to complications from an infection. DeVos was 92 years old. DeVos, who underwent a heart transplant in 1997 at the age of 71, attended some Magic home games during the 2017-18 season. DeVos took over as the Magic’s owner when he purchased the franchise for $85 million from Orlando real estate developer William duPont III after duPont experienced financial difficulties. Forbes recently estimated the Magic’s value at $1.225 billion, 19th out of 30 NBA teams. Forbes also approximated DeVos’...

Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway, dies at 80 Company and community mourn loss of leader and philanthropist Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corp., died Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at his home in Ada, Mich. He was 80. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty, who passed away at their Caribbean home on Peter Island on January 18, 2004. He is survived by his sons Steve (Cindy) and David (Carol), and daughters Nan and Barb (Rick) Van Andel-Gaby. Van Andel is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Leigh, Jesse, Aaron, Kyle, Christian, Marie, Rachel, Jason,...