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.
The first time I met Rich Devos was 32 years ago on stage as a result of qualifying for a promotion in UK. Later as we all left that function and were...
AshfordI 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...
CambridgeNow 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...
San DiegoMy 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...
Grand RapidsRich often referred to Grand Valley as the college founded, nurtured and embraced by this community. Its mission and impact was applauded and revered ...
Grand Valley University Foundation DirectorRest in peace. Million thanks for everything you have done and the opportunities that changed so many lives and our family. Love you forever
We will never forget you
MirajWhat 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 ...
AMHERSTOn 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...
Tysons CornerMr. DeVos has left a legacy that has impacted the lives of so many people around the world. He will be deeply missed.
I personally have lived my life...
LakewoodThroughout 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 ...
WashingtonFor decades, Rich and Helen lived out their commitment to Christ by contributing to the flourishing of their neighbors in Grand Rapids. West Michigan ...
Grand RapidsThe 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...
HollandOver 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...
President EmeritusI remember when my parents were in the business in the early to mid 70’s. When we would travel they would listen to cassettes of many speakers but it was especially fun to listen to the tapes that Rich did. he was such an inspiration even for me...
PlanoToday our hearts and prayers are with the DeVos family. The Heritage Foundation will forever be indebted to Richard DeVos for his courage, generosity,...
WashingtonThe 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...
Grand RapidsI 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...
Former President & CEOAbout 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...
WyomingPalm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos...
West Palm BeachThere 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...
PresidentWe stand with individuals throughout our country and world who mourn the passing of Richard DeVos, Sr. Through his steady and generous support of West...
Grand RapidsRich 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...
DearbornWith 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...
Grand RapidsI’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...
Golden ValleyRich 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...
CutlervilleI 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...
WashingtonRich gave generously to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute with his time, talent, and treasure. For years, the Richard and Helen DeVos Freedom Cent...
WilmingtonCondalances to the family We thank god for you presence on this earth to have touched our lives with this wonderful opportunity.
Platnium
Trinidad“One man with a desire is worth more than a hundred with merely an interest.” Mr. DeVos was a man with great desire and passion. He was an inspiration...
DallasRich 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...
Bemidji