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 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...
Richard C. BreonFormer President & CEO
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
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
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… rather it was his craft to be able to touch an individual sitting amongst a crowd of others listeni...
Jim HackettDearborn
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....
Thomas J. HaasPresident
Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos. The Lord used Mr. DeVos as a shepherd, a servant and a steward. He was an elite American full...
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, Ric...
Dave Van AndelGrand 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
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
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 in the 1960’s. My Aunt & Uncle, Rita & Frank Delisle, were early distributors of Amway ...
Nancy Leduc HamelAMHERST
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
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 freedom of thought, spirit and work made him unique in his time. His ability to motivate, educate, a...
JRobert BrouseBemidji
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
É com muita tristeza que eu e meu esposo José Carlos cosmo e família deixa aqui nossas condolências ao senhor rich devos gratidão muito obrigado por nos deixar esse legado de ajudar pessoas.
Cicera maria clemente cosmoSumaré
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
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 and I saw first hand how much President Ford respected and admired him. He and the family have...
Terry O'DonnellWashington
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
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
*감사합니다. 모두 주신 기회에 가사드립니다 죄송합니다. 빨리 다이아몬드가 되어 찾아뵈었어야하는데 리치의 건강을 바라며 뒤쳐진 것에 대해 죄송합니다. 사랑합니다. 세상에 사랑이라는 단어의 소중함을 알게 해주셔서 감사합니다.Thank you, Rich Devos!
이소영세종시
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
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
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
Throughout his entire life, Rich DeVos dedicated himself to the work of providing economic opportunity for others and lifting up local communities. Hi...
Arthur BrooksWashington
A Man who made the unimaginable possible, gave before receiving, made his dreams the foundation for the future for thousands of people, integrity, foresight, believe. Grazie Rich
EmanueleTteviso
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
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
존경하는 리치회장님 암웨이 사업의 기회뿐 아니라 훌륭한 정신까지 물려주셔서 감사합니다 그 정신을 이어가는 사업자 되겠습니다 제이회장님과 여사님과 천국에서 편안히 보내세요 감사합니다
서정아부산
회장님께서 오늘 하나님 곁으로 가셨다는 소식을 듣고 순간 아무것도 할 수가 없었습니다 너무 슬프지만 천국가신것으로 위안을 합니다 리치와 제이 두분께서 세상 사람들에게 내어주신 기회로 자신에 삶과 다른 이들에 삶도 도울 수있는 삶을 살게 된것을 진심으로 감사드리며 존경을 드립니다 하나님곁에서 기뻐하시며 지켜봐주실것을 믿습니다 주신 사명 ᆢ나눔과 사랑을 실천하는 삶으로 살겠습니다 훗날 천국에서 뵙고 꼭 인사드리고 싶습니다 감사합니다 사랑합...
광명시
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
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