SAUFLEY, William E. (Bill)

Saufley, William E. "Bill" William E. (Bill) Saufley. Phoenician from Arizona's Early Days. Bill Saufley, Arizona native, died December 12, 2003. The pioneer, four business career, Phoenix resident was 92 years of age. Saufley was born January 21, 1911 in Parker, Arizona, before Arizona was a state. At the time, his father was a close friend of Wyatt Earp during Earp's last years in Arizona. After graduation from Stanford and matriculation at the Stanford Graduate School of Business during the Great Depression, Saufley began his business careers as executive trainee and branch relief manager with the Valley Bank (later Valley National Bank, and then Bank One). As a close friend of the Goldwater family, Saufley moved in 1938 from the Valley Bank to an executive position with Goldwater's Department Stores where he remained for the next 26 years until the stores were sold. During WWII, he was in the U.S. Navy, completing his service as Lt. Commander. In 1964, Saufley joined the securities brokerage house, Dean Witter & Co., where he became Vice President for Investments and worked for another 28 years. Upon retiring from Dean Witter Reynolds at age 82, Saufley became a securities industry arbitrator until his final retirement in 1997. During his business years, Saufley served as President and/or Director of many charitable, business, and social organizations including: Phoenix Thunderbirds (Big Chief), Better Business Bureau, Civil Air Patrol (Squadron Commander), Merchants Association, Phoenix 20-30 Club, Rotary Club, Phoenix Trade and Industrial Development Committee, Kiva Club, several trade associations, Phoenix Organ Center, 11th Naval District Advisory Board, Wage & Hour Consulting Committee, OP A Advisory Committee, Arizona AAU, Jane Wayland Children's Horne, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Sigma Alpha, U.S. Navy League, Phoenix Executive's Club, Arizona Wildlife Society, et al. Saufley knew the state of Arizona extremely well. As a pilot, he flew with Senator Barry Goldwater on numerous of Goldwater's speaking and photographic missions throughout the state. Saufley was an ardent golfer who scored his age many times. Saufley was preceded in death by his wives Opal Napier Saufley and Alva Gene Saufley. He is survived by his son, Ronald W. Saufley, his daughter, Sandra Jane Saufley, and six grand children. Funeral services are private. Contributions may be made to any of the Arizona Food Banks, or the Arizona Historical Foundation. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/18/2003.