Richard “Harold” Chance, founder of Chance Manufacturing Company, passed away on July 10, 2010 while surrounded by family. He was 88 years old. The youngest of three children, Harold was born on September 25, 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, to Lois and Gerald Chance. Harold graduated from Wichita North High School in 1939. Harold worked in manufacturing as a welder and tool and die maker until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. He served in the South Pacific during WWII, and was honorably discharged in May 1946. Harold married Marjorie Westwood on October 4, 1946. Harold and Marjorie raised five children while simultaneously making their mark on the amusement ride industry. Harold began Chance Manufacturing Company building miniature trains, and by the time he retired in 1985, he had turned the company into America’s largest manufacturer of amusement rides. For his contributions to the amusement industry, Harold was inducted into the Halls of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and the Showmen’s League of America. He also originated the AREA Amusement Ride Safety Seminar in 1971 which has been continued by the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers Association. Harold was a member of the Rotary Club of Wichita for 20 years, and he belonged to Rolling Hills Country Club since 1963. Harold is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie Chance; son Richard (Carol) Chance; daughters Susan (Bill) Chew of Sebring, FL, Judy (Bruce) Nielsen of Brighton, CO, and Nancy (Doug) Stadnyck of Scottsdale, AZ; sister Mary Van Scyoc; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many, many friends. Harold is preceded in death by father Gerald Chance (1969), daughter Kathryn Marie Chance (1987), mother Lois Chance (1991), sister Geraldine Chance (1992), and grandson T.J. Hernandez (2007). A rosary is being held at St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, July 14, at 7:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi on Thursday, July 15, at 3:00 P.M. Private family interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Harold’s family would like to thank Galichia Heart Hospital for their care and support. Contributions in Harold’s honor can be made to The Lords Diner (Attn: Wendy Glick 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214-3504); or the Guadalupe Clinic (940 S. St. Francis St., Wichita, KS 67211). www.guadalupeclinic.com
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