Billionaire Cargill MacMillan Dies
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
MacMillan's death occured at his home in Indian Wells, where he lived for the last 21 years.
Cargill MacMillan Jr. was worth billions based on his share of his family's company, Cargill Inc., the largest private corporation on earth.
MacMillan was the great-grandson of W.W. Cargill, the son of a Scottish sea captain, who founded Cargill Inc. as the American Civil War ended.
Cargill MacMillan Jr. was a Cargill Inc. board member for 31 years. After retiring, he had no daily role in the company's global operations.
(For those unfamiliar with the Cargill Inc. story, watch the informative and entertaining Cargill music video below.)
MacMillan was a U.S. Air Force veteran and alumnus of Yale University before becoming a Republican political donor and famed California arts philanthropist in 1990."Cargill McMillan's passionate pursuit of modern art was unparalleled and incredibly prolific," declares Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet.
Cargill donated millions of dollars and many great works of art, including an original Andy Warhol, for the cultural enrichment of the Southern California desert region.
"I have known Mac for more than 30 years and will always be extremely grateful for his unwavering generosity and support of the museum," said Chairman Harold J. Meyerman of the Palm Springs Art Museum.
"Mac's unparalleled philanthropic support of some of our most important events enabled the museum to fulfill a vital educational and cultural role in the community."
The legendary Californian is survived by his wife, Donna MacMillan, his brother and sisters, six children, 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
