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Sherm Poppen

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Sherm Poppen
Born
Sherman Robert Poppen

(1930-03-25)March 25, 1930
DiedJuly 31, 2019(2019-07-31) (aged 89)
Occupation(s)Engineer, inventor
Spouse(s)
Nancy Bazarnick
(died. 1993)
[1]
Louise Kelly[1]

Sherman Robert Poppen (March 25, 1930 – July 31, 2019), also known as Sherm Poppen and Sherman Poppen, was an American engineer and inventor. He was known for inventing snowboarding in 1965.[2]

Life and career

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Poppen was born in Muskegon, Michigan. He attended Northwestern University, earning a bachelor's degree in business.[1] He was a supply officer in the navy.[3]

Poppen was an industrial gases engineer.[4]

In 1965, Poppen invented a toy for his daughters by lashing a pair of 36-inch wooden snow skis side by side.[5] The toy was named the snurfer.[6] It gained popularity and the rights was given to Brunswick Corporation,[1] a manufacturing company.

Poppen died on July 31, 2019, at his home in Griffin, Georgia,[7] at the age of 89.[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Sandomir, Richard (August 9, 2019). "Sherm Poppen, a Dad Who Fathered the Snowboard, Dies at 89". The New York Times. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  2. ^ "Stoked for competition". The Herald-Sun. Durham, North Carolina. February 8, 1998. p. 48. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  3. ^ Smith, Harrison (August 11, 2019). "Sherm Poppen, a grandfather of snowboarding, dies at 89". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  4. ^ "Time to send sequined ones down the hill". Morning Sentinel. Waterville, Maine. February 21, 2002. p. 19. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  5. ^ "Snow Surfing Becomes New Winter Sport". The South Bend Tribune. South Bend, Indiana. January 26, 1975. p. 98. Retrieved April 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  6. ^ Murdico, Suzanne J. (2003). Snowboarding: Techniques and Tricks. Rosen Publishing Group. p. 6. ISBN 9780823938490 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Associated Press (August 12, 2019). "Sherman Poppen, inventor of the snowboard, dies at 89". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  8. ^ Hahn, Jason (August 12, 2019). "Sherm Poppen, Who Invented the Snowboard Prototype for His Two Daughters, Dies at 89". People. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  9. ^ "Sherm Poppen, inventor of the Snurfer who became known as the 'father' of snowboarding – obituary". The Telegraph. August 15, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2024.