I am saddened to announce the recent loss of a long time friend and great speed bag enthusiast. Some eight or nine years before this forum I had a long and strong friendship with Ben Kniffen, a locksmith at the University of Delaware. An early user of my Book and Video (vhs version) he wrote a letter to me that launched numerous phone calls and a host of VHS tapes being sent back and forth. We didn't have youtube, tik tok or instagram. Just letters, wired phones and VHS video. He sent me a total of three VHS video's showing his speed bag workshop and inventions, including boards and poles. He was the first I saw put a large light pole into a tire, file it with cement and role it outside. a genious with locks, he had created a way to attach the board to the pole secured with electric magnet locks, like they use on doors at the university. One video was so original at the time, that I posted it years ago on my Youtube page.
As often happens, over the years we lost contact. But I never forgot him or his early support for the speed bag. He used his portable tire-pole to teach kids in his neighbor hood and wore his portable kit around campus. Had he been in better health I suspect he would have attended and loved our Speed Bag Gatherings.
I was only aware of this because he wife called me the other day informing me of his passing - and wanting to have the listing to the above video, for she had "heard of it" but could not find it. She also was hoping that I might have any of the video vhs tapes he had sent, for she has none featuring his voice. I have found one and am looking for the others.
This is the hardest part of growing old. losing friends, family and pets we love. But he was a powerful light in the early days of my speed bag journey and I am very glad we met.
He was one of us.
Ben Kniffen
https://www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com...njamin-Kniffin
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