Richard Knerr: The Man Who Brought Us the Hula Hoop Has Passed On
Co-founder of Wham-O Inc., Richard Knerr passed away on Monday at the age of 82. This was the man who, along with his business partner Arthur Melin, brought children around the world some of the most whimsical, fun loving toys that ever came to being. Knerr invented the hula-hoop and the Frisbee over 50 years ago and they have become a staple toy around school yards and college campuses everywhere.
Knerr and Melin started Wham-O-Inc in 1948 in Pasadena, CA. From the beginning they were able to come up with incredible, fun, inventive toys – the slingshot, the superball, slip ‘n’ slides, water wiggles, and silly string – all came from the minds of these talented inventors and their staff. Knerr and Melin were fun-loving personalities that appreciated the friendship and enjoyment that some of their toys could create.
Knerr told the Times in 1994 about their work, “If Spud (Melin) and I had to say what we contributed, it was fun. But I think this country gave us more than we gave it. It gave us the opportunity to do it.”
Richard Knerr’s memorial services will be private. The family is suggesting that in lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones can donate to the Braille Institute Auxiliary of Pasadena Tribute Fund, 615 S. Madison Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106 or to the American Heart Assn., www.americanheart.org.
