Ross Perot, a billionaire philanthropist and former presidential candidate, has passed away at age 89. Perot’s family announced on Tuesday, July 7 that the two-time Independent candidate had passed away following a five-month battle with leukemia.
“In business and in life, Ross was a man of integrity and action. A true American patriot and a man of rare vision, principle and deep compassion, he touched the lives of countless people through his unwavering support of the military and veterans and through his charitable endeavors,” family spokesperson James Fuller said in a statement, via CNBC.
“Ross Perot will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He lived a long and honorable life.”
Perot passed away in Dallas “surrounded by his devoted family,” the statement added.
During the 1992 presidential election, Perot earned an impressive 19 percent of the vote which was the biggest percentage of the electorate since 1912. Perot ran for president in 1992 and 1996.
Perot was a self-made billionaire who founded his first company, Electronic Data Systems, with just $1,000 of savings in 1962. He would continue to work as an entrepreneur and eventually sold his company Perot Systems, an information technology services provider, to Dell for $3.9 billion in 2009.
Additional information about Perot’s passing can be seen below.
Ross Perot Cause of Death: Leukemia
On Tuesday, July 9, it was announced that billionaire Ross Perot had passed away at age 89. The former presidential candidate passed away following a five-month battle with leukemia. Perot is survived by his wife, Margot; his sister, Bette Perot; son Ross Jr.; daughter Nancy; daughter Suzanne; daughter Carolyn; daughter Katherine; their spouses, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.
At the time of his passing, Perot was surrounded by his family.
“Ross Perot will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He lived a long and honorable life,” the statement said.
Our deepest condolences go out to Perot’s family and friends during this difficult time.