Page 3 - 2021 Hunting Catalog

William Raymond (WR) Sauey

(1927-2020)

On June 10, 2020, Flambeau’s founder William Raymond (WR) Sauey, age 92, of Baraboo,
Wisconsin passed away. From humble origins, WR combined ingenuity and perseverance to FLAMBEAU ® LEGACY
build the foundation of Flambeau Outdoors starting with a single product, the Halik Frog
top-water lure. WR named Flambeau after the Flambeau river—the water where he and his
brothers fished and swam—and one of the top sources of a variety of game fish in northern
Wisconsin. He grew and evolved Flambeau into a legacy outdoors brand and a world class,
highly diversified plastics manufacturing business. Flambeau provides hunters and anglers
the world over top-quality products for pursuing their passion in the outdoors.
After serving in the Marine Corps during World War II, WR returned home to Wisconsin to
found Flambeau, Inc. with his brother, Ed Sauey, starting with a $2,000 loan in 1947. The
son of Norwegian immigrant parents, WR’s entrepreneurial spirit led the business into a
vast array of hunting and shooting sports markets over the span of decades: tackle stor-
age products in the 1960s, waterfowl decoys in 1972, the acquisition of Vlchek Plastics and
Adventurer tackle boxes in 1977, full body deer decoys in 1988, and an array of firearm and
ammunition storage solutions since the incorporation of Flambeau Outdoors.

In 2016, W.R was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame in recog-
nition of his 70+ years of dedication to the outdoors industry. This distinction is a significant
honor bestowed upon only those who have played an integral part in helping to mold the
successful industry we know today.
An entrepreneur, innovator, leader, and family-man, WR Sauey’s legacy and passion lives on
with over 70 years of successful business as testimony to the heritage that is now Flambeau
Outdoors. WR’s love of the outdoors was only surpassed by his love for his family, his com-
pany and all who were a part of it. We miss him but take comfort he is in his place with the
Lord. We are proud to carry the rich heritage of Flambeau Outdoors forward from where
WR started in the north woods of Wisconsin on into the future.

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