Cabela's Inc. Announces Passing of Richard N. Cabela

by
posted on February 18, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
arwire2015_fs.jpg (2)

Cabela's, Inc. has announced the passing of Richard N. Cabela, company co-founder and Chairman Emeritus. Cabela died in his home in Sidney, Neb., on Monday, Feb. 17. He was 77.

Known to most as Dick, Cabela founded the company that would become world's largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise with his wife, Mary, and brother, Jim, in 1961. What started as a mail-order service for fishing lures is now a $3.6 billion company with a worldwide catalog, Internet business and 50 stores in the United States and Canada.

Dick served as the company's Chairman of the Board until June 2013, when he transitioned to Chairman Emeritus and Jim Cabela became Chairman.

"Dick and Jim made it possible for sportsmen and women to get quality outdoor products no matter where they lived," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's Chief Executive Officer. "They weren't the first to offer outdoor goods through the mail, but nobody did it better or with more care about providing customers a good value for their money."

In his lifetime, Dick Cabela garnered numerous accolades, including induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2001, he was honored with the Safari Club International's prestigious C.J. McElroy Award for dedication to preserving and promoting the heritage and tradition of hunting.

Cabela is survived by his wife, as well as the couple's nine children and their families.

Latest

SIG P211 01
SIG P211 01

New For 2025: SIG Sauer P211-GTO

SIG Sauer introduced its first hybrid-frame, 2011-style pistol at its 2025 NEXT product launch event, and the P211-GTO blends features from the M1911 with design elements from the P320.

Sellmark Breaks Ground On “Verdexium” Project

In an effort to reduce reliance on international supply chains and bolster domestic manufacturing, Sellmark Corp.—parent company of the Sightmark, Pulsar, Inforce, Kopfjäger, Firefield, BulletSafe and Dark 30 brands—has broken ground on a new manufacturing complex in Mansfield, Texas, that it calls a “transformative force for American-led growth and innovation.”

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Victory In The Air: One Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver's Story

A primary source investigation into the service history of a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Firearm Industry Responds To Aid Texas Flood Victims

Only a few days after the tragedy struck, two of the firearm industry’s foremost companies were raising funds for the victims and organizations dedicated to providing support through devastating floods in Texas.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.