Paul Van Doren, who helped build the Vans' empire in 1966 in Anaheim, California has passed away at the age of 90 according to the company that was announced last Friday.
"It is with a heavy heart that Vans announces the passing of our co-founder, Paul Van Doren." Vans posted on their official social media accounts.
"Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator. The Van Doren Rubber Company was the culmination of a lifetime of experimentation and hard work in the shoe industry." The post said. "Paul’s bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand."
The post added. "We send our love and strength to the Van Doren family and the countless Vans Family members who have brought Paul’s legacy to life. Thank you for everything, Paul. You will be sorely missed."
Van Doren together with his brother James started the company and their good friends as Van Doren Rubber Co. It took a year to build and set up the factory at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim during their time in the '60s.
Eventually, the Vans skate shoes and later clothing company became a popular element in the Southern California skateboard culture of the 1970s.
Van Doren and his partner Gordy Lee sold their company in 1988 to a banking firm for $74 million according to reports.
VF Corp. bought Vans in 2004 for nearly $400 million and continues to own the brand along with a variety of other clothing companies and other businesses.
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences to the Van Doren friends and families.