Rich looked over the emerging Medical Mile skyline in Grand Rapids for this photo in 2007. In addition to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Rich and Helen supported other local medical facilities, to put the city on the map as a leading center for health care and research.
Rich and Helen’s wedding photo from 1953. Rich and a friend were driving around Grand Rapids one day and met Helen and her friend as they were walking home. He got her phone number and soon began courting his future wife. A year later, on February 7, 1953, they were married.
Rich and Jay en route to the Caribbean in 1949 aboard “Elizabeth,” the 38-foot schooner they purchased that was too long in dry dock. The boat sank off the coast of Cuba. Rich and Jay were lifelong friends who had the same sense of values as well as a shared sense of adventure.
Rich and Helen with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former President Bill Clinton at a National Constitution Center event. The DeVoses supported the Center for years as a way to help each generation cherish their freedom and keep building a better America.
Dan DeVos, Rich, Rick DeVos, Helen, Dick DeVos and Doug DeVos at the announcement of the family’s purchase of the Orlando Magic in 1991. At the time, Rich described the family as “caretakers” of the franchise – that the real owners of the team were the fans in the Orlando community.
Rich courtside at an Orlando Magic game. A self-professed “cheerleader,” (and, indeed, a former high school cheerleader) Rich attended as many Magic games as possible to support the team and players.
Rich presents a birthday gift to Shaquille O’Neal, a first round draft pick for the Magic in 1992. Rich was a presence in the lives of players, often counseling them on managing their careers for the long term.
Rich and Helen with some of their grandchildren. He once wrote of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they would “pray for them all every day – by name.”
Rich and “The Waltons” actor Richard Thomas at an Easterseals telethon in the 1980s. Rich made appearances on several telethons in support of Amway’s sponsorship of the organization.
Rich and Helen attend an Orlando Magic basketball game with their son Dan DeVos and his wife, Pamella. An entrepreneur like his father, Dan went into business for himself after serving as an executive at Amway for many years.
Rich not only created positive change by giving generously to causes he and Helen believed in, he was also a catalyst for change by inspiring others through his words and actions.
Rich sits in Amway’s warehouse surrounded by many of the household products the company originally manufactured and sold. Today, Amway focuses on innovative nutrition and beauty products, too.
Rich believed strongly that the solid foundation of faith and education he received as a student at Grand Rapids Christian High School helped shape his life and career. He and Helen went on to generously support Christian education in Grand Rapids as well as in New Mexico.
Rich believed strongly that the solid foundation of faith and education he received as a student at Grand Rapids Christian High School helped shape his life and career. He and Helen went on to generously support Christian education in Grand Rapids as well as in New Mexico.
Rich is often credited with saying that they chose to sell soap because everybody buys it. Here he and Jay sit for a photo with some of their early products, a box of SA8 laundry detergent and L.O.C. cleaner.
