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 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
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
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
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
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
Le mie più sentite condoglianze alla famiglia. Ha saputo creare una grandissima opportunità per le persone. Il mio rammarico è che non ho mai avuto l’...
RobertoBrescia
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
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
ご愁傷様です。リッチ、あなたのお陰で、私達家族は、本当に健康で健全に、日々の生活を過ごしています感謝60年前という、あの時代に。本質を捉えた考え方で、そしてそれを行動に移し、結果をだしたリッチとジェイ。本当に勇気ある決断、行動に感謝しています。本当に有難うございましたご冥福をお祈りいたします。
藤田 真人名古屋市
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Não foi necessário lhe conhecer, estou feliz e grato homenageando o seu legado de vida. O que faço hoje é fruto de sua fé e convicção em nos ajudar a ...
Sérgio Ribeiro BretasBelo Horizonte
Rich gave generously to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute with his time, talent, and treasure. For years, the Richard and Helen DeVos Freedom Center has been the engine that drives our work with outstanding college students and talented facu...
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...
Richard C. BreonFormer President & CEO
He is a great speaker and great motivator he inspired lots of people world wide his lose is painful i pray to God his soul rest in peace we follow the way which he leaves and achieve his dreams come true
Vadivelu. ACoimbatore
Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos...
Bill FlemingWest Palm Beach
当得知我们的联合创办人之一理查狄维士驾鹤西去的消息,我本人深感悲痛.他的仙逝仿佛使我们失去了一盏指明灯,也是直销业界的损失.原本自己想在成为安利全球政策咨询委员或达到职级受邀请在明年A60拉斯维加斯的庆典能庆幸和这位耄耋老人合影留念,如今已成为了终身遗憾.此时此刻为了表达个人和大家对老迪维士的哀思,我献言为理查老先生准备举办一个低于类似国葬级别的葬礼,座落于亚达城集团总部和各市场分公司降半旗至葬礼结束,集团及各市场分公司高层和FC皇冠大使在第一个工作日身穿素服,向领导人的画像或雕像默哀...
王杰玺上海
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