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.

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
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
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 bu...
Tommy BrannWyoming
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
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
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
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
เป็นความทรงจำไม่เคยลืม ท่าน ริช เดอโวส คือผู้มีพระคุณสูงยิ่งต่อครอบครัวเรา และผู้คนทั่วโลก ขอบพระคุณอย่างสูง ขอแสดงความอาลัยอย่างสุดซึ้ง รักท่านและแอมเวย์ ตลอดไป
SuttirojBangkok
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
愿神的孩子安息,在世上最后一程做神荣耀的见证,荣耀至高者的名,直到地极。愿主耶稣基督的恩惠与祂的子民同在。阿门!
胡先生郑州
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pride. This is what I feel when I try to improve myself and the life quality of my family by telling people what this giant of a man has created. He put in our hands the greatest chance to make something truly significant for ourselves and the p...
Matteo BiottiMilan
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
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
To the family of Rich DeVos,Rich was a larger than life man who impacted literally millions around the world. To you he was family. To us, because o...
Robbie and Kathy BurnsHughson
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
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
Thank you to your family and the Creator for ‘sharing’ you with us. Your inspiration and gifts of hope (and good vitamins!!) will inspire people for generations - Thanks for ‘being you’ - with Love… Cheryl Thomas
Cheryl ThomasClearwater,
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 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
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
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