Former Steelcase Executive and Philanthropist Robert Pew Dies

A longtime leader of Grand Rapids furniture maker Steelcase died over the weekend.

Robert Pew died Saturday in Florida.  He was 89.

Pew was Steelcase’s chairman of the board for 25 years, from the mid 1970’s until 1999, when he became chairman emeritus.   

During Pew’s tenure at the top of Steelcase’s management, the company became one of the world’s largest makers of office furniture. 

As a philanthropist,  Robert Pew has given millions of dollars for public education.   He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of Grand Valley State University.