Grand Valley State mourns loss of John Canepa, business leader, philanthropist

Grand Valley State University leaders join others in West Michigan mourning the loss of John Canepa, who died January 25. Canepa used his business acumen and his generosity to change the landscape of the city and to support the university with fierce dedication.

Canepa was on the advisory board of the Grand Valley University Foundation after serving for more than two decades as a director. He was a member of the Seidman College of Business Dean's Advisory Board from 1991 to 2011.

He served on the committees for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and several campaigns to support various initiatives by Grand Valley, including the campaign for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, which opened in 2003.

"John was a longtime, dedicated friend to Grand Valley," said President Thomas J. Haas. "He played a critical role in initiating Grand Valley's presence on Grand Rapids' Medical Mile, which has led to a vibrant and growing health campus. The move was considered bold at the time, and we will miss his leadership, steadfast support and wise counsel. He was a pillar in the community, and our prayers are with his wife, Marie, and his family."

Canepa was recognized for his successful career and his support of Grand Valley with an Enrichment Award in 2007 and an honorary degree in 2014.

Canepa was 87 years old and died after an accident in Grand Rapids.