Sherm Poppen | |
---|---|
Born | Sherman Robert Poppen March 25, 1930 Muskegon, Michigan, U.S. |
Died | July 31, 2019 Griffin, Georgia, U.S. | (aged 89)
Occupation(s) | Engineer, inventor |
Spouse(s) |
Nancy Bazarnick (died. 1993)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]
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]