Wham-O Toys Co-founder Richard Kerr Dies at 82

Richard Kerr, co-founder of Wham-O toys died Monday in California in his Acadia home at the age of 82 from complications of a stroke, according to Stefan Pollack. He founded the company with Arthur Melin whom passed away in 2002. The hula hoop, frisbee and superball are just the tip of the iceberg of inventions these two created.

In 1958, the hula hoop graced the shelves and quickly flew off of them. The hula hoop is still an iconic toy today. When I was a kid hula hoops and jump ropes are what we had on the playground. We used to have little competitions to see who could hula hoop the longest. I actually still have a hula hoop in my attic I could never part with it, sometimes I still pull it out and try to hula hoop from time to time.

The frisbee came onto the market in 1957. It started out as a toy and has since become a competitive sport. I was actually on an ultimate frisbee team in high school. Me an my friends still play every other Sunday when the weather is warm enough rain or shine. You can buy one at the store or many places give them out as promotional materials now. Either way I love my frisbees and will play with them until my body decides not to allow such physical activity.

The SuperBall was a bouncing phenomenon that could keep a kid occupied for hours. My cats took over my SuperBalls and get just as much enjoyment out of them as I once did.

The Limbo and Silly String are still favorite party games for kids and adults alike. If you drink be careful with the Limbo it can cause useless emergency room visits. I am quite clumsy and actually broke my left femur attempting the Limbo my freshman year of college after a competitive game of flip cup. I still Limbo but a little less under the influence.

The slip and slide contributed to 3 cracked ribs and a broken wrist when I was younger. My brother had some bruises and a few minor sprains. None of those injuries stopped us now as adults we place it on a hill near a lake or pool and use is as a slide. I am still not careful, but I haven't had any recent injuries just great times.