The founder of the Chance Manufacturing Company, Richard “Harold” Chance, passed away on July 10, 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. On leaving school, his first job was as a welder and tool and die maker until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. Honorably discharged, he married Marjorie Westwood two years later.
Harold began Chance Manufacturing by building miniature trains and by the time he retired in 1985, he had turned the company into America’s largest builder of amusement rides.
For his contributions to the industry, Harold was inducted into Halls of Fame by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) 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 (AIMS).
As well as his wife Marjorie, Harold leaves a sister, Mary, son Richard (Dick), daughters Susan, Judy and Nancy, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
Contributions in Harold’s honour can be made to The Lords Diner in Wichita. See www.guadalupeclinic.com.
