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.
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 b...
WyomingRich 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...
BemidjiRich 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 DirectorThroughout 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 ...
WashingtonThe community of West Michigan has a profound legacy in the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program. This program was launched in 2010 and h...
Grand RapidsOver 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 was a joy to work with him to create the downtown campus for Grand Valley and to be a part of his...
President EmeritusMy father’s trusted friend and fellow adventurer, Rich was much more than a business partner – he was like family. As a passionate philanthropist, Ric...
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 much of his longstanding relationship with Spectrum Health. I will miss our conversations, not...
Former President & CEOToday our hearts and prayers are with the DeVos family. The Heritage Foundation will forever be indebted to Richard DeVos for his courage, generosity,...
WashingtonThere are human beings who came to touch lives. Thanks for everything you did. We do not mourn your departure because we keep celebrating your life. Thank you Rich for teaching me so much through your audios and books.Thanks for be an inspirat...
AguadaWith 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 RapidsRich Devos: Gracias por el legado de conocimientos y oportunidades que dejas tras de si. Su vision de lo que el mundo es y puede llegar a ser y lo que las personas lograran a traves de esta maravillosa empresa tendra eco mas alla de lo que podre...
GuatemalaRich gave generously to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute with his time, talent, and treasure. For years, the Richard and Helen DeVos Freedom Cent...
WilmingtonFor 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...
Grand RapidsWhat 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 ...
AMHERSTThere 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...
PresidentRich 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...
DearbornThe 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...
HollandCondalances to the family We thank god for you presence on this earth to have touched our lives with this wonderful opportunity.
Platnium
TrinidadOn 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 CornerI 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...
CambridgePalm 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...
West Palm BeachWe 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 RapidsAmado Rich gracias por impactar nuestras vidas, tu filosofía quedará impregnada en nuestra mente y en nuestros corazones. Tu legado perdurará por siempre. Te amamos.
Luis & Valentina
Pennsylvania
PhiladelphiaHe was a Big Big Big man!
We have learned many things.
They have touched the feed of our Heart! Thank You so much.
Bye Bye Rich.
We loved You.
Teresa...
VeneziaSemoga tenang di sana Rich Devos , You willl always be a Legend . Rest in Peace .
PontianakRich 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’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 ValleyNow 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 DiegoI 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...
Washington