Various groups and members of the home medical equipment industry voiced their condolences in regard to the Oct. 18 passing of VGM Group Inc. founder CEO Van G. Miller.
A statement from the American Association for Homecare said the organization was “terribly saddened” by the loss and called Miller’s influence in the industry “second to none.”
The association cited Miller’s service on its board of directors and his efforts to ensure that VGM Group was actively involved in industry advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The association also highlighted Miller’s efforts to mobilize VGM members to support grassroots efforts on behalf of the industry, as well as the fact that Miller was one of AAHomecare’s earliest recipients of its Homecare Champion award.
“When I started my home medical equipment business in 1988, I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of VGM’s financing and insurance services to help me grow and sustain my business,” said AAHomecare president and CEO Tom Ryan. “Van had the foresight and drive to create more than just his own successful company ― instead, he helped build hundreds of flourishing companies that are essential lifelines to patients all over the county.”
“I am so profoundly sorry at Van’s passing, but I feel so honored to have been invited to his home and to his organization last week,” said John Letizia, president of Laurel Medical Supplies and chairman of AAHomecare. “Even as his passion for our industry will be incredibly difficult to replace, I hope we will all be guided by his example of what a dynamic and committed individual can achieve.”
A statement from the North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services offered “condolences to the VGM family” and listed a number of Miller’s accomplishments within the industry. (To read more about Miller’s founding of the VGM Group, read VGM Mourns Loss of Miller.)
For its own efforts, the VGM Group set up a public online memorial page at www.vgmgroup.com/van, where industry members can post thoughts about Miller.
And the tributes to Miller also crossed over into social media, where various individuals, companies and organizations offered their thoughts and memories:
.@Brightree is deeply saddened by the passing of @VGMGroupInc founder Van Miller. Our condolences go out to his family & all VGM associates
— Brightree (@Brightree) October 19, 2015
Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn with our @VGMGroupInc family over the unexpected loss of Van Miller. https://t.co/Mjl4iF0ypH
— The van Halem Group (@vanHalemGroup) October 19, 2015
Heavy heart this morning upon hearing the news of @VGMGroupInc founder Van Miller. Great man with such vision. You will be missed.
— Ryan McDevitt (@DMEMcD) October 19, 2015
Our condolences to Van Miller’s family, friends and his VGM family.
It’s hard to find the words to describe his… https://t.co/C7OW1LTjsM
— FamilyChildrenCouncl (@FCCouncil) October 22, 2015
We are saddened to have lost a great friend, ally & #HME leader in Van Miller – https://t.co/4IWXbrdZOU – @VGMGroupInc
— AAHomecare (@aahomecare) October 19, 2015