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.

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
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
Dear Rich:I had the privilege of listening to you at the Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou in 2005. For you, who were 79 years old at that time, you knew that this should be your last visit to China. This speech is more like your teaching of how to ...
LI YONG FENGDONGGUAN
一直以来,都非常羡慕杰和理查这几十年不变的友谊,听了无数个理查的演讲,每次都被您博大的胸怀、格局吸引和感动! 您说“伟大的传统是可以继承的,但是要成就伟大是我们必须努力赢得的” 您说“自由越大,责任越大!” 您说“You can do it ” 您说…… 一直就想着以后有机会一定要飞到美国,去见您一...
何孝婷金华
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thanks you so much for everything that you did, Thanks for business opportunity that you and jay created for me, I love you and respect you so much. R...
BoonrodBangkok
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
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
We are grateful to you for your efforts, that you bring the health,freedom, family and happiness to everyone ! From the bottom of heart, my family and I will pray for you !Thanks again !Best wishes !
Xuan yi chenBejing
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 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
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
Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the remarkable life, faithful testimony, citizenship and philanthropic legacy of our dear friend, Rich DeVos...
Bill FlemingWest Palm Beach
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
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
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
E’ andato via un grande uomo, un’anima straordinaria, una persona di famiglia. Mi unisco nel dolore alla fam. De Vos con la certezza che Rich non morirà mai. Vi abbraccio
LucianaTreviso
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
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
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
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