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.

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
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
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 wa...
Arend D. (Don) LubbersPresident Emeritus
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
Rich often referred to Grand Valley as the college founded, nurtured and embraced by this community. Its mission and impact was applauded and revered ...
David FreyGrand Valley University Foundation Director
I’m very saddened by Rich passing and I would like to convey my condolences to his immediate and entire Amway family. We have lost a hero but his positive impact around the world and West Michigan will live for ever. Thank you for just not givin...
Bernie WaruruCedar Springs
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
Hola Rich, lamentablemente solo te conocí a través de tus libros, audios y videos pero lo que hiciste cambió radicalmente la vida de mi esposa y la mía. Gracias, muchas gracias, miles de gracias por existir, fuiste un ser humano increíble, y el ...
Alejandro AularOrlando
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 pr...
Paula HaywoodGolden Valley
The community of West Michigan has a profound legacy in the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program. This program was launched in 2010 and has been highly successful in completing 115 heart transplants, 122 lung transplants, 387 left v...
Dr Penny Wilton, Department Chief, Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascualr Institute, Spectrum HealthGrand Rapids
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
Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos...
Bill FlemingWest Palm Beach
Today our hearts and prayers are with the DeVos family. The Heritage Foundation will forever be indebted to Richard DeVos for his courage, generosity, and commitment to conservative values. He generously endowed the Richard & Helen DeVos Cen...
Kay Coles JamesWashington
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
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 philanthropic spirit of West Michigan. His humility and giving heart will forever be an example to u...
Mayor Nancy De BoerHolland
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 busin...
Carolyn SommerfeldtCambridge
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 Michigan, Mr. DeVos has made a lasting impact in our community. Mr. DeVos leaves an indelible ...
Aaron GachGrand Rapids
For decades, Rich and Helen lived out their commitment to Christ by contributing to the flourishing of their neighbors in Grand Rapids. West Michigan ...
Michael LeRoyGrand Rapids
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
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 f...
Winona ColesTysons Corner
Familia Devos;Elevo mi oración y comparto con Ustedes la pérdida de un gran ser Humano como lo era Rich Devos, como empresaria de Amway agradezco infinitamente habernos dejado su Legado es ahí donde el vivirá siempre y le recordaremos con un ...
Patricia Tovar M.Zapopan
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
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 Rehabilitation Hospital and the patients we serve are better because of his generosity. Rich’s h...
Jane BrierleyGrand Rapids
My father’s trusted friend and fellow adventurer, Rich was much more than a business partner – he was like family. As a passionate philanthropist, Ric...
Dave Van AndelGrand 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
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 c...
Steve ForneySan Diego
Mi más sentido pésame a toda la familia devoz Están en mis oraciones,el fue inspirado para ayudarnos a buscar nuestros propios caminos, y bendecido con una gran familia que descanse en paz y seguirá viviendo en nuestro corazón.
Victoria OlmedoLansdale
Rich, sei passato a miglior vita lasciando un segno indelebile nella vita di tantissime persone in tutto il mondo e avendo creato la piu’ grande oppor...
Gianni CoppolaMaddaloni
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 political world and his generosity in the non-profit world. He was a champion for good. The world ...
Mark JansenCutlerville