Orlando Magic CEO and Amway Co-Founder Richard M. DeVos passed away this past Thursday at his home in Michigan. Amway, which sponsors the home arena for the Magic, was founded by DeVos in 1959 and was under his Presidency until 1993 when he passed it on to his son.
The Magic announced his death in a team statement on Thursday.
Richard M. DeVos, co-founder of Amway, died peacefully at his home in Ada, Michigan, surrounded by family, on September 6, 2018. He was 92. The cause of death was complications from an infection.
Perhaps best known as an inspiring, motivational leader and pioneer of the famous Amway direct selling method that offered individuals the opportunity to build businesses of their own, Mr. DeVos also was senior chairman of the Orlando Magic NBA franchise and a generous philanthropist with his late wife, Helen.
Richard DeVos purchased the Orlando Magic along with his family back in 1991 and had been the CEO ever since. DeVos saw the Magic go on two separate title runs in 1995 and 2009 and a separate Conference Finals appearance in 1996.
The Magic will look to bounce back this year after multiple seasons of disappointment, but prayers are warranted for everyone close to DeVos and the organization.
