Mike Chance, president of Chance Rides, the Kansas-based roller coaster and park attractions company, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, aged 42.
“Our son and company president Mike Chance lost his long‐term and well‐fought battle with depression,” said Chance Rides CEO, Dick Chance. “Mike had suffered from this tough disease for years and had faithfully sought treatment and relief from its effects.
“Like any other disease that is not yet well understood, depression is often difficult to successfully treat.”
Mike’s father added: “We are proud of Mike for bravely fighting this disease for years while living a full and rich life as a wonderful husband and father, son, grandson, brother, friend and a great company leader. He was a triathlete who competed alongside friends in Iron Man triathlons across the country.”
Born in 1973, Mike Chance was a graduate of Kansas State University. According to an obituary released by his family last week, he embraced his gift of sales by joining his father in the family business at Chance Rides.
In 2000 he was named the third generation president of the company, and was instrumental in expanding it into roller coaster design and new product development.
“Mike especially loved taking the first official ride on newly installed attractions, alongside his father,” the family stated.
