Rich DeVos Passes away at 92

[BLUESCRUBS]

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/09/rich_devos_billionaire_amway_c.html

 

One of the icons of Grand Rapids development has passed. You wonder what Downtown would be like without his vision and generosity. The downtown skyline/streetscape would sure look different. 

[GR_Urbanist]

So that's the big three all gone now.

Devos

VanAndel

Meijer

What a difference all three have been. Selflessly devoted to this city to the end. And their children carry that on.

We are truly fortunate.

[joeDowntown]

Rich Devos definitely set the foundation for revitalization of Downtown Grand Rapids. He did amazing things for this city which will be felt for generations. 

Joe

[GRLaker]

34 minutes ago, GR_Urbanist said:

So that's the big three all gone now.

Devos

VanAndel

Meijer

What a difference all three have been. Selflessly devoted to this city to the end. And their children carry that on.

We are truly fortunate.

We will be fortunate if they carry on that legacy of selfless giving. I would be surprised if we didn't see a drop-off though. GVSU will definitely feel the effects of Richard's passing, as he was one of its biggest supporters since it opened its doors.

[MJLO]

46 minutes ago, GRLaker said:

We will be fortunate if they carry on that legacy of selfless giving. I would be surprised if we didn't see a drop-off though. GVSU will definitely feel the effects of Richard's passing, as he was one of its biggest supporters since it opened its doors.

I expect Dick and Betsy to stay fully engaged in continued philanthropic efforts.  Dick DeVos has been more engaged (as has his children) than the elder over the last 10-15 years.  Both the Meijers and Van Andels have been much less visibly involved since the passing of the patriarchs, though I don't believe they've stopped involvement completely.   

The leadership and commitment of the DeVos family has been transformative  to the region as a whole.  It would take away an advantage Grand Rapids holds over it's peers if this disappeared.  Though with the infrastructure put in place it may continue the momentum without them.