Rick DeVos

Richard (Rick) Glenn DeVos, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend, passed away in his sleep on June 8, 2025, after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his family in his long-time home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He was 69 years old.

Rick was a one-of-a-kind man who touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is remembered for his infectious smile, fun-loving nature, indomitable sense of humor, and genuinely kind and warm personality that welcomed people to his presence. He had a rare gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He is remembered as a strong, beloved, selfless leader for both the Steamboat Ski School and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), where he impacted generations-both youth and adults-through his commitment to excellence by teaching skills and modeling values that brought people together and created a positive community experience.

Born on March 25, 1956, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Rick was the eldest of four children born to Nita and Dick DeVos. He graduated from the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a degree in business. After college in 1979, as he was traveling on his motorcycle through Steamboat, he happened to see a friend standing at the only stoplight in town; he stayed the weekend-and then quickly made "The Boat" his home. It was in this special ski town that he followed his passion for ski racing and teaching skiing at the Steamboat Ski area, becoming Ski School Director in 1990 and then Vice President of Skier Services. In 1999, Rick assumed the position of Executive Director of the SSWSC, a role that he enjoyed so much, it did not feel like work. Under his 14 years of guidance, the SSWSC grew from 450 athletes to over 1200, and he oversaw various lighting, snowmaking, and facility improvements for Howelsen Hill and the club. In 2013, he returned to teaching skiing with the Steamboat Ski School as a private instructor, continuing his passion for sharing the freedom of skiing and building intentional relationships.

Rick married fellow avid ski instructor professional, Heather Lee Dorman, in 1986. Together they raised their two children, Nicolas (Nic) and Amanda (Mandi), with a strong foundation in the Christian faith, a love of sports and the outdoors, and a priority for family. Each summer, he liked to spend time at the DeVos family heritage farm in Ohio-which he considered his second home-where he was the ringleader in preserving the old barns and creating memorable family reunions for his family, parents, siblings, and his many nieces and nephews. He took special pleasure participating in the lives of his three grandchildren-Isabella, Natalya, and Hudson-sharing his life wisdom, singing them silly songs, reading them books, and spending one-on-one time doing things they loved to do. His greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather. He never took for granted the gift of living in Steamboat for over four decades and getting to ski and play together as a family.

Simple moments of being outside listening to thunderstorms, skiing deep powder, and watching the sun go down brought Rick great joy. He also had a particular enthusiasm for riding motorcycles, playing soccer and baseball, planting pine trees, snow-blowing, and helping complete hands-on projects for others in need.

Rick loved and trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior; he was a member of Anchor Way Church in town for over 20 years. His faith and hope in the promises of God only strengthened in these years of battling illness.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Heather; their son Nic and his wife Hannah DeVos, with his grandchildren Isabella, Natalya, and Hudson; their daughter Mandi and her husband Mathias Newell; his three siblings, Julia DeVos (husband Keith), Duke DeVos (wife Pam), and Kate Burgher (husband Doug). He is preceded in death by his parents, Nita and Dick DeVos.

Loving Rick, and being loved by Rick, was truly a gift. His legacy lives on in the people and places he poured his heart into. A memorial service will be held outside the lodge at Howelsen Hill on Sunday June 29 at 5 p.m., with a reception to follow; bring your own chair or blanket. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the SSWSC's Need & Merit-Based Scholarship Fund at www.sswsc.org/support.

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