Tribute to Jay Van Andel
(1924-2004)

The Creation Research Society mourns the loss of one of the giants of american enterprise and statesmanship. On December 7, 2004, Jay Van Andel passed from the bounds of this earth to take the hand of his Creator. With his death, creationists around the world have lost a dear friend and ally.

But, we also celebrate his life. A life dedicated to the service of his God. Jay Van Andel felt that a Christian’s purpose was not to accumulate wealth and possessions, but to serve their Creator. In An Enterprising Life, he wrote, “The task of every person on earth is to use everything he is given, every ability he has, to the ultimate glory of God.”

Jay Van Andel’s life story is well known to many people. One of the original founders and owners of the Amway Corporation, he and co-owner Rich DeVos began marketing products from their basements. They grew this small venture into the multibillion dollar company of today, making it truly one of the great American business success stories.

What is far less known was his heart for creationists. One of the early goals of the Creation Research Society was the establishment of a research facility. In 1991, this dream became a reality with a generous contribution from the Jay and Betty Van Andel Foundation. Using these funds, the Van Andel Creation Research Center was built in Chino Valley, Arizona. In explaining the contribution, Jay Van Andel stated that he wanted to “give creationists a fighting chance.” However, the relationship between the Society and the Van Andel Foundation did not end with this initial gift. The foundation has continued to provide yearly support, which has increased over the years.

Some newspaper tributes and obituaries have commented on Jay Van Andel’s support of “controversial” activities, and the Van Andel Creation Research Center is typically cited as an example. But, we do not think Jay viewed the research center as controversial. Rather, this support was just characteristic of his life’s desire to serve his creator. And, considering the continual increase of scientific information supporting the creationist position (including carbon-14 data, geologic data of huge fossil beds, and genetic limitations to biological change), perhaps Jay understood far more of his creator than his critics comprehend.

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