Amway co-founder and Orlando Magic owner, Richard DeVos, died Thursday at the age of 92 in Ada, Michigan.
DeVos, along with Jay Van Andel, is credited with being one of the founders of the new Grand Rapids having funded many projects in the downtown area. At Grand Rapids Community College, the DeVos Campus, at 415 Fulton Street, bears his family’s name in honor of the work they have done in the Grand Rapids community.
DeVos is survived by four children and over 20 grandchildren.
GRCC’s DeVos Campus was named in honor of all of the contributions DeVos and his family have made to Grand Rapids over the years in 2010.
GRCC President Bill Pink released a statement about DeVos on Thursday.
“The GRCC family extends its condolences to the DeVos family in the passing of a great community leader, Mr. Rich DeVos,” Pink said in the statement. “Mr. DeVos was a tremendous advocate of higher education, recognizing how a high-quality education can change lives and make an entire community stronger. We mourn with the family at this time.”
The DeVos family also released a statement on Thursday. The statement, signed by DeVos’ children Dick, Dan, Cheri, Doug and their families, reads:
“Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Rich DeVos, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 6, 2018, at age 92.
“Dad spread positivity everywhere he went and encouraged everyone he met. He did that for his children and grandchildren, and for countless others around the world. His positivity was a constant, motivating force that inspired many others to make meaningful changes in their own lives and communities. He was a visionary leader, builder, life enricher, motivator, and a champion for people from all walks of life.
“Rich DeVos was many things to many people, but to us he was simply “Dad,” “Grandpa,” “Bumpa,” or “Papa Great.” We are deeply grateful and blessed beyond measure to have been loved unconditionally, raised, mentored, and inspired by him. He was a role model unlike any other.
“While we are saddened by his passing, our hearts are full as we celebrate the extraordinary life he led. We are comforted that he is reunited with Mom, and that together they are experiencing the joy of eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
