WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids)

Richard DeVos, the co-founder of Amway who used his business determination to build his fortune and reshape Grand Rapids, has died at the age of 92.

He was born March 4, 1926.

Family spokesman Nick Wasmiller says DeVos died at his western Michigan home due to complications from an infection, the Associated Press said.

DeVos and his lifetime business partner Jay Van Andel started Amway in their basements in Ada, Michigan. The small family firm grew into an international direct sales giant with annual sales now exceeding $8 billion.

"The idea of Amway is essentially the idea of helping people to help themselves," DeVos said. "Many of us were poor. We just chose not to stay there."

DeVos was a powerful speaker, promoting Amway's compassionate capitalism around the world. In a speech, he said that the company's goal should be, "to make the lonely and frustrated and scared to have that sense of hope and security."

As Amway thrived, DeVos gave back to the community, investing millions of dollars into downtown Grand Rapids. Along with Van Andel, who died in 2004, no one is more responsible for the city's renaissance.

DeVos championed the merger of Butterworth and Blodget hospitals and, with his wife Helen, DeVos made the major donation that created the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

DeVos donations supported schools across west Michigan, most notably Grand Valley State University, Hope College and Calvin College, and his was the lead donor to build Grand Rapids' convention center, DeVos Place.

"We created a climate in downtown Grand Rapids that made it a good place to be," said DeVos.

DeVos also supported Grand Valley State University in Allendale. In the 1970s, he served on its governing board. He later became president of the university's foundation board.

"Rich gave so much of himself to Grand Valley. His enthusiasm and vision were contagious, and drew the entire community together to help provide a world-class education to West Michigan citizens," Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas said in a written statement.

DeVos was also one of the country's leading donors to the Republican party and he owned the Orlando Magic of the NBA. DeVos' last big contribution to Grand Rapids was the construction of the J.W. Marriot hotel.

More on freep.com:

Betsy DeVos says she won't stand in way of schools buying guns

Detroit Tigers' Mario Impemba, Rod Allen reportedly have physical incident

"All of these projects were a kind of a partnership," said DeVos. "So let's make sure when we give credit for these things that you give credit to the people of this community because they are the ones who are helping pay for it."

"Mr. DeVos' boundless generosity, inspirational leadership and infectious enthusiasm will always be remembered," Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a statement. "Simply, he was the team's No. 1 cheerleader and the best owner that a Magic fan could ever want for their team."

After a pair of heart bypass operations, DeVos went to England to receive a heart transplant in 1997.

One of the nation's richest men, DeVos enjoyed his wealth, but realized the most valuable riches were not material.

"The Lord was good to me and I gotta go out and try and tell how good God is," said DeVos. "I'd like to be remembered by enjoying the time we were given here by loving what the good Lord gave us, and we did the best we could with it.

DeVos graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and attend Calvin College. He served from 1944-46 in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Richard DeVos leaves behind four children, Dick, Dan, Cheri and Doug, two sisters and many grandchildren. His son Dick is married to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. His wife Helen passed away in 2017.

Services have not been finalized.

Associated Press contributed to this story.