HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Billionaire businessman Richard DeVos, Sr. has died, on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, according to family members. He was 92.
Mr. DeVos cofounded of Amway in 1959 with childhood friend Jay Van Andel.
“Dad was the most encouraging person I’ve ever known, and he never missed an opportunity to express his belief in people,” said son Doug DeVos in a Thursday morning tweet.
Grandson and namesake Rick DeVos tweeted a series of comments, including “In the minds of many who he wasn’t able to meet face to face, Rich DeVos was more of an idea than a man. Larger than life and driven to build and create. His accomplishments are immense—global even. But to our family he was simply Dad and Grandpa.”
The younger DeVos went on to write, “We celebrate Grandma & Grandpa’s incredible legacy of creation & generosity as a generational chapter closes. The next generation has already taken up their standard, and another follows close behind. It is an unbelievable honor to carry the name Richard Marvin DeVos III.”
He’s remembered as a genuinely kind, warm person by former MLive / Grand Rapids Press business reporter Shandra Martinez, who not only interviewed people about Mr. DeVos over a 25-year period, but attended several of his speeches, interviewed him personally and was present for some of his book signings.
“Despite being a bilionaire and owning yachts and mansions and sports teams, he really had a folksiness about him that felt like you were sittng next to him on a park bench,” she said, recalling one of his last book signings, which she covered for MLive. “He was the most-friendly man. In a lot of ways, he reminded me of Fred Meijer. I think they were two men cut from the same cloth.” (Listen to the complete interview.)
Helen DeVos, Mr. DeVos’ wife, died on Oct. 19, 2017. She was 90. The couple had four children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In 1997, at the age of 72, he went to England to get a heart transplant. His age at the time disqualified him from the procedure in the U.S. He live in England for about five months while waiting for the transplant.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos married the couple’s son, Dick DeVos. Designer Pamella Roland is another daughter-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to Grand Rapids Christian School Association, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, or Prison Fellowship Ministries.
Statements about Mr. DeVos’ death, so far:
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, former Indiana Governor, from his official Twitter account: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Richard DeVos, a towering figure in American business and conservative politics. DeVos was a generous philanthropist and pillar of his community. His family and loved ones are in my prayers. He will be missed.”
Michael K. Le Roy, Calvin College president
“For decades, Rich and Helen lived out their commitment to Christ by contributing to the flourishing of their neighbors in Grand Rapids. The city specifically, and the west Michigan area more broadly, is thriving in no small part due to their investment in this community. We are especially grateful for Rich and Helen’s commitment to the students and faculty at their alma mater, Calvin College. They’ve created spaces for students to study and gather, supported numerous scholarships, provided opportunities for study off-campus and overseas, and supported the research and scholarship efforts of our faculty. Their longtime support has equipped our students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Rich’s family is in our prayers as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life.” Visit Calvin College’s tribute page.
State Rep. Mary Whitehouse cited Rich and Helen DeVos’ “incredible example” to employees, of taking care of neighbors, the arts and the environment, “to really put their money where their mouth was.” She said Rich DeVos “put service above self.”
Gov. Rick Snyder: “We have lost an incredible businessman, philanthropist and true Michigander. The positive impact Rich had on our state is truly immeasurable. Through successful business ventures and charitable endeavors, he created endless opportunities for residents of many different ages and backgrounds. Rich’s giving spirit is how we will always remember him, and his legacy is certain to live on forever. Sue and I are sending thoughts and prayers to his loved ones as they reflect on the life of a wonderful man who lived with purpose and compassion for others.”
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley: “Rich DeVos was a pillar in the West Michigan community. His vision, intellect, compassion and mentorship will be missed immensely. Rich DeVos’s life should be celebrated as he led an extraordinary one and the legacy he leaves behind will be felt by generations to come. Julie and I send our deepest condolences to the DeVos family during this very difficult time as they mourn an incredible man.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland: “It’s hard to imagine what West Michigan would look like without Richard DeVos. Rich was as approachable and as down to earth as they come. He exhibited the type of servant leadership that makes West Michigan such a special place. Through his philanthropic activities, Rich led by example, created new opportunities for countless West Michigan residents, and strived to make our community an even greater place to call home. While his legacy will live on, his leadership and friendship will be deeply missed.”
“It’s hard to imagine what West Michigan would look like without Richard DeVos. Rich was as approachable and as down to earth as they come. He exhibited the type of servant leadership that makes West Michigan such a special place. Through his philanthropic activities, Rich led by example, created new opportunities for countless West Michigan residents, and strived to make our community an even greater place to call home. While his legacy will live on, his leadership and friendship will be deeply missed.”
Hope College: “In many ways, Hope College is flourishing today because of the generosity and vision of Rich DeVos. Both Rich and his wife, Helen, were faithful friends of the Hope community and fostered recognized excellence in the arts and athletics as active supporters of the college’s mission,” said the Rev. Dr. Dennis N. Voskuil, president of Hope College. “We can hardly imagine Hope without the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse or the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts and its Concert Hall. In gratitude, we celebrate Rich’s legacy here on Hope’s campus and in West Michigan, and we extend our deepest condolences to the DeVos family.”
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation contributed a leadership gift on behalf of the fieldhouse, and the college named the building for Richard and Helen in honor of their impact on the quality of life in western Michigan, in the Holland community and at Hope. The fieldhouse serves as home court for the college’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball team, and also houses the Department of Kinesiology. The couple presented the game ball for the men’s basketball game during the dedication of the building on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005.
The foundation also provided one of the lead gifts for the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, which opened in August 2015, and the building’s 800-seat Concert Hall is dedicated in memory of Helen’s parents, George and Wilma Van Wesep. In addition to the Concert Hall, the silver LEED-certified center houses the college’s Department of Music and the 125-seat John and Dede Howard Recital Hall.”
The Orlando Magic offered this tribute, via Twitter: “It is with great sadness that we announce, Orlando Magic Senior Chairman Richard M. DeVos passed away today at the age of 92. #LoveYaRich“
