Sherm Poppen

Sherm Poppen
Born	Sherman Robert Poppen (1930-03-25)March 25, 1930 Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.
Died	July 31, 2019(2019-07-31) (aged 89) Griffin, Georgia, U.S.
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

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

1. 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.
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.
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.
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.