Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel died in his home in Ada, Michigan. In 1959, Vand Andel and friend expanded their diet supplement business into household cleaning products and called it Amway, an abridgement from “American Way”. Since then their direct-selling business that relied on a network of individual distributors who sold soap, shaving cream, furniture polish, detergent, cookware and cosmetics, has embodied the American dream of free enterprise. Despite allegations of fraud and deceptive sales practices Van Andel managed to steer the company through hard times and expand the business into an international enterprise.

“I worked at Amway for 20 years and enjoyed every minute of it. What wonderful memories I have of Amway and Rich and Jay at their employee meetings. Thank you and God Bless you Jay.” says Rosella from Grand Rapids.

“I am thankful for Jay Van Andel and the legacy he has left his family, his company, and his community. Jay was a great business leader, who continually reinvested in his company... eventually providing thousands of jobs and opportunities for our whole west Michigan area. More importantly, he was a man who lived out his Christian faith, continually giving and quietly modeling a life honoring to God. Rest in Peace, Jay - thank you for adding so much to so many lives.” says Jerry from Kentwood, MI.

Van Andel, ranked by Forbes 231st on the latest list of wealthiest Americans, was one of those who funded a creationist station in Arizona set up tp prove that the world was created in 7 days.

The funeral is scheduled on Friday at Lagrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church at 1:00 p.m. A life celebration will be held at Friday Afternoon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel's Ambassador Ballroom at 5:30 p.m.