From Man to Disc: Why Was the Inventor of the Frisbee Turned into a Frisbee After He Died?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your legacy live on in a truly tangible way? For most inventors, their creations serve as a testament to their genius. But for one man, that wasn't enough. He took it a step further, ensuring he would forever be a part of the game he pioneered. This is the incredible true story of Ed Headrick, the father of the modern Frisbee, and his final, unconventional wish to be turned into a Frisbee after he died. This post will delve into the life of this visionary and explore the heartfelt reasons behind his decision to have his ashes molded into the very object he perfected.

Who Was "Steady Ed" Headrick?

To understand why Ed Headrick wanted to become a Frisbee, it's crucial to know the man behind the disc. While Walter Morrison is credited with inventing the initial flying disc (the "Pluto Platter"), it was Ed "Steady Ed" Headrick who transformed it into the icon we know today.

Working for the Wham-O toy company in the 1960s, Headrick was tasked with improving the Pluto Platter. His key innovation was adding a band of concentric raised ridges to the disc's surface, which he patented in 1966 as the "Professional model" Frisbee. These "Rings of Headrick" stabilized the disc's flight, allowing for greater accuracy, control, and distance. This single change elevated a simple toy into a piece of sporting equipment.

But Headrick’s passion didn't stop there. He saw the potential for a new sport and went on to:

• Establish the Disc Golf Association (DGA) in 1976.
• Invent and patent the first standardized disc golf target, the "Disc Pole Hole," which features a basket and hanging chains.
• Become a tireless ambassador for both Frisbee sports and disc golf, earning the title "The Father of Disc Golf."

The Ultimate Wish: A Final Flight

Headrick’s connection to the flying disc was more than just professional; it was deeply personal. He dedicated his life to watching it soar and sharing that joy with the world. As he approached the end of his life, he conceived of a way to remain part of his beloved sport forever. His last will and testament included a specific, unusual request: that his ashes be incorporated into a limited edition run of flying discs.

This wasn't a morbid joke. For Headrick, it was the ultimate tribute. His son, Daniel, explained that his father had said he wanted the memorial discs to end up "stuck in a tree or on a roof somewhere... he wanted to be eternally in flight." It was a poetic and fitting end for a man who had given so much to the sport. He didn't just want to be remembered by his invention; he wanted to become his invention.

How a Man Becomes a Frisbee

After Ed Headrick passed away in 2002 at the age of 78, his family faithfully honored his request. The process was quite straightforward. A portion of his cremated remains was mixed into the plastic polymer used to mold the discs. This material was then used to create a limited number of memorial Frisbees.

These discs weren't mass-produced for the general public. Instead, they were distributed to family, close friends, and sold to devoted collectors, with the proceeds benefiting a nonprofit fund dedicated to establishing a disc golf museum. Each disc serves as a tangible piece of Headrick’s legacy, allowing him to posthumously participate in the game he created. The idea that "Steady Ed" is still out there on courses, flying through the air, has become a cherished piece of disc golf folklore.

Conclusion

The story of why the inventor of the Frisbee was turned into a Frisbee is not one of eccentricity, but of profound passion. "Steady Ed" Headrick’s final wish was the ultimate expression of his love for the sport he helped create. By having his ashes embedded in the discs, he ensured his legacy would never just be a historical footnote; it would be an active, flying part of the game for years to come. So, the next time you see a Frisbee gliding gracefully across a park or hear the rattle of chains at a disc golf course, remember the man who loved to fly so much that he became the flight itself.