Growing up in Michigan during the Great Depression wasn't easy—but Rich DeVos believed he grew up "blessed" by his family's positive beliefs and values.
Rich returned home after WWII determined to start a business. He and his business partner opened a flight school, then a restaurant. Then his partner introduced him to the opportunity that would eventually lead to Amway.
For Rich DeVos, faith was a thread that was woven through every part of his life.
Rich DeVos considered himself a cheerleader, and he never missed an opportunity to affirm and encourage others—even down to the simplest, handwritten correspondence.
From the very start of their marriage, Rich and Helen DeVos dedicated 10% of their income to causes near to their hearts. As Rich described it, giving was a joyful, powerful act.
When the DeVos family purchased the Orlando Magic NBA franchise in 1991, it was about more than basketball—it was about nurturing family and others, both off and on the court.
For Rich DeVos, patriotism was a priority. He was an active leader in politics on a national level, as well as in his hometown of Grand Rapids, throughout his life.
Rich was a dear friend whose life was an example for all of us. He loved his family, his community and his country. He was a man of deep faith who believed every person could make a difference. Few have made a difference like Rich DeVos.…
By John Engler, Interim President, Michigan State University; former governor, State of Michigan, 1991-2003 Tue Sep 11 00:08:31 UTC 2018
View All Tributes »Throughout 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 and…
By Arthur Brooks Sat Sep 08 15:23:44 UTC 2018
View All Tributes »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 first…
By Dave Van Andel Fri Sep 07 11:38:27 UTC 2018
View All Tributes »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…
By Richard C. Breon Wed Apr 04 13:15:00 UTC 2018
View All Tributes »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’s…
By David Frey Sat Sep 08 21:01:47 UTC 2018
View All Tributes »Rich was a dear friend whose life was an example for all of us. He loved his family, his community and his country. He was a man of deep faith who believed every person could make a difference. Few have made a difference like Rich DeVos.… View Tribute »
By John Engler, Interim President, Michigan State University; former governor, State of Michigan, 1991-2003 Tue Sep 11 00:08:31 UTC 2018
Throughout 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 and… View Tribute »
By Arthur Brooks Sat Sep 08 15:23:44 UTC 2018
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 first… View Tribute »
By Dave Van Andel Fri Sep 07 11:38:27 UTC 2018
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… View Tribute »
By Richard C. Breon Wed Apr 04 13:15:00 UTC 2018
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’s… View Tribute »
By David Frey Sat Sep 08 21:01:47 UTC 2018
“I’ve tried all my life to inspire others to use their talents and fulfill their potential. ” - Rich DeVos
Rich DeVos co-founded Amway and was company president until his retirement in 1993. He also was senior chairman of the Orlando Magic. Rich was author of five books, a much-in-demand motivational speaker, a community and political leader, and, with his wife Helen, who died in 2017, a generous activist and philanthropist. He passed away September 6, 2018, at age 92.
Thank you for choosing to donate to one of the charities Rich held dear.
Rich DeVos co-founded Amway and was company president until his retirement in 1993. He also was senior chairman of the Orlando Magic. Rich was author of five books, a much-in-demand motivational speaker, a community and political leader, and, with his wife Helen, who died in 2017, a generous activist and philanthropist. He passed away September 6, 2018, at age 92.
“Rich's message of hope and optimism will live on in the hearts and minds of those he helped and inspired over the course of his life. These letters serve as a testament to that enduring legacy.”
Thank you for choosing to donate to one of the charities Rich held dear.