Rich DeVos wearing a tuxedo at a microphone.

In memory of Richard M. DeVos

Those leaving tributes vividly recall hearing him deliver one of his famous speeches or treasure his iconic handwritten notes signed “Love ya! Rich.” Or they were so thankful they got to shake his hand, feeling the warmth and sincerity of his greeting as he looked them in the eye. He is described as a cheerleader for the human spirit. An incredible visionary. A giant. A teacher. An ambassador. A true American hero. An ideal entrepreneur. A father figure. A motivator, dreamer and champion. The personification of humility. A philanthropist. The model of servant leadership.

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Rich when I worked for President Ford at the White House. He was a wonderful and generous gentleman...
Terry O'DonnellWashington
There are no words to describe how much Rich DeVos will be missed by Marcia and me personally, our university, and the entire West Michigan community. Rich gave so much of himself to Grand Valley. His enthusiasm and vision were contagious, and d...
Thomas J. HaasPresident
With great sadness, we join the millions who mourn the passing of Rich DeVos. As one of the many beneficiaries of Rich’s philanthropy, Mary Free Bed R...
Jane BrierleyGrand Rapids
I was sadden to heard that the founder of Amway Mr. Rich DeVos has passed away today at age 92 Thank God he had a long life. I’ve been an Amway business owner for many years. I’ve been to many of Diamond weekends and many wonderful Amway functi...
Carolyn SommerfeldtCambridge
Rich gave generously to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute with his time, talent, and treasure. For years, the Richard and Helen DeVos Freedom Cent...
Charlie CopelandWilmington
I am deeply saddened by the news of Rich DeVos’ passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I worked closely with Rich during much of his longstanding relationship with Spectrum Health. I will miss our conversations, not...
Richard C. BreonFormer President & CEO
Condalances to the family We thank god for you presence on this earth to have touched our lives with this wonderful opportunity. Platnium
Cicero and Margaret LalloTrinidad
About 30 years ago I went to an event Rich DeVos was going to be at just to meet him. As a small business person he was to me the Michael Jordon of business and free enterprise. Mr. DeVos was heading towards the podium with a crowd around him an...
Tommy BrannWyoming
Today our hearts and prayers are with the DeVos family. The Heritage Foundation will forever be indebted to Richard DeVos for his courage, generosity,...
Kay Coles JamesWashington
Over the years, Rich and I worked closely together and developed a partnership and friendship that will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a joy to work with him to create the downtown campus for Grand Valley and to be a part of his...
Arend D. (Don) LubbersPresident Emeritus
Memory eternal! We grieve with you.
Evgeniy SmirnovCheljabinsk
Thank you Rich for having such a big dream that includes my family and every ones that you have touched through this great opportunity. I know the Lord will have big plans for you in heaven.
Zach & Arianna WhiteGrand Forks
I love you. Everytime I hear the voice from your speech video, I will miss you. Thank you for cheering people up,teaching us helping people help thems...
李妙卿台州
On behalf of our Board Chair Kay Coles James and The Gloucester Institute family, we honor Richard and Helen DeVos for their lives of generosity and for their support of hundreds of African American college students whose lives they changed as a...
Winona ColesTysons Corner
Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos...
Bill FlemingWest Palm Beach
My father’s trusted friend and fellow adventurer, Rich was much more than a business partner – he was like family. As a passionate philanthropist, Rich was enthusiastic about Van Andel Institute from the beginning. He and Helen were among the fi...
Dave Van AndelGrand Rapids
What can one say about a man that was “bigger than life” but yet so humble, kind and giving? I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DeVos as a young woman ...
Nancy Leduc HamelAMHERST
For decades, Rich and Helen lived out their commitment to Christ by contributing to the flourishing of their neighbors in Grand Rapids. West Michigan is thriving in no small part due to their investment in this community. We are especially grate...
Michael LeRoyGrand Rapids
Rich DeVos was a wise man of God that was willing to gently share his faith with anyone. It was an honor to have met him. I knew him more from the pol...
Mark JansenCutlerville
Now motivate the Angels up above as you have me and millions of others here on earth. I will always remember our meeting in the hall of a convention center in Washington State. What I loved about it it was just the two of us talking nobody else ...
Steve ForneySan Diego
Rich DeVos was an artist whose palette were the words he spoke for others to hear. His genius wasn’t just his speeches, books or interviews… rath...
Jim HackettDearborn
理查,您的自信、微笑、乐观、行动、尝试永远激励着我的人生,如暗夜中的灯塔之光,大师虽逝,精神永存。安息
孔令木江苏邳州
The community of West Michigan has a profound legacy in the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program. This program was launched in 2010 and h...
Dr Penny Wilton, Department Chief, Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascualr Institute, Spectrum HealthGrand Rapids
Throughout his entire life, Rich DeVos dedicated himself to the work of providing economic opportunity for others and lifting up local communities. His legacy will be carried on by the countless people he helped empower to lead lives of dignity ...
Arthur BrooksWashington
We stand with individuals throughout our country and world who mourn the passing of Richard DeVos, Sr. Through his steady and generous support of West...
Aaron GachGrand Rapids
Rich often referred to Grand Valley as the college founded, nurtured and embraced by this community. Its mission and impact was applauded and revered even by people who didn’t go there, like himself.Domiciled in West Michigan, the university’...
David FreyGrand Valley University Foundation Director
The world has lost a hero today. Rich De Vos was a builder of business, community, and most of all: people. He was instrumental in inspiring the phila...
Mayor Nancy De BoerHolland
I’m proud to say I have been blessed by the DeVos family through the DeVos Urban Ministry program. Thank you for your commitment to sustaining this program over many years it is definitely an eloquent display of genuine commitment to reach those...
Paula HaywoodGolden Valley
Rich Devos was my friend, my mentor and my Chairman of the Board when I served as President of the Direct Selling Association. His dedication to freed...
JRobert BrouseBemidji
My heart goes out to Rich’s family and the countless individuals across the globe who were impacted by his life. He was a man of tremendous integrity, humility, optimism, with a depth of character and a genuine desire to bless others. He knew wh...
Katie RiedelGrand Rapids