Laurance Rockefeller

Date of Birth: May 26, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: July 11, 2004

Biography

Laurance Spelman Rockefeller was an American businessman, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and conservationist. Born into the prominent Rockefeller family, he was the fourth of six children of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Laurance played a significant role in the family’s extensive business and philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the realms of conservation and environmentalism. He graduated from Princeton University in 1932 and went on to attend Harvard Law School, though he did not complete his degree. Instead, he chose to focus on business ventures and inherited family enterprises, including those in the oil industry. However, his true passion lay in fostering innovation and protecting natural environments. Laurance co-founded several venture capital firms, notably Venrock, which invested in pioneering companies such as Apple and Intel. He also played a crucial role in developing the field of aerospace and aviation, being one of the early investors in Eastern Airlines and McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. His passion for nature led him to donate vast expanses of land to the National Park Service and other conservation organizations. He was instrumental in the creation and expansion of numerous national parks, including Virgin Islands National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

5 Interesting Facts about Laurance Rockefeller

1. Laurance Rockefeller was a key figure in the early stages of the venture capital industry, co-founding Venrock in 1969.

2. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 by President Richard Nixon for his contributions to conservation.

3. Laurance Rockefeller donated over 5,000 acres of land to the creation of the Virgin Islands National Park.

4. He was an avid supporter and early investor in the development of commercial aviation, particularly with Eastern Airlines.

5. Laurance had a lifelong interest in UFOs and funded research into the phenomenon, including the Rockefeller UFO Report.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Laurance Rockefeller

1. “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.”

2. “The key to our success is in the spirit of adventure and the determination to innovate.”

3. “We must remember that the land is a resource that belongs to all of us, not just those who own it.”

4. “True wealth is not measured in money or possessions but the legacy we leave for future generations.”

5. “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Laurance Rockefeller’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion.

Children

Laurance Rockefeller had four children with his wife, Mary French Rockefeller: 1. Laurance Spelman Rockefeller Jr. 2. Laura Rockefeller Chasin 3. Marion Rockefeller Weber 4. Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky