On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Michael Lee Chance, age 83 passed away at Windsor House in Canfield, Ohio. He was born September 7, 1940 in Traverse City, Michigan, to Paul and Carol (Blacken) Chance.
Mike graduated from Traverse City High School in 1958. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. Mike’s work life was centered on plastic injection-molding design and manufacture. A family favorite he designed was a 4’x6’ mirror, a rendition of the yellow brick road from the Wizard of Oz movie. In his spare time, Mike loved woodworking and building. He was patient and fastidious. For example, he fashioned beautiful canes he carved from crooked willow tree branches. He made improvements inside his homes doing projects like revamping kitchens and modifying his garage into a work area. He redesigned the interior of his mobile home at Lake Leelanau RV Park - changing room layouts and making efficient modifications everywhere. His gardens were designed with the intention to be beautiful and colorful. Bird watching, painting, and “jazzing up” his truck were also passions of his.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie Larkin of Lake Orion, Michigan, Kristen (Dennis) Kenny of Cadillac, Michigan, and Kira (Jeff) Jones of Canfield, Ohio, and grandchildren: Marissa (Logan) Price of Poland, Ohio, Serene (Ryan) Thompson of Calhoun, Georgia, Anthony McKean of Cadillac, Michigan, Amber Chance Merino of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dennis Kenny, Jr. of Cadillac, Michigan, Rachel (D.J.) Wilkinson of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Julia (Nick) Jones of Charleston, South Carolina. He had two great grandchildren - Bailee and Lilly Thompson.
Mike is also survived by siblings, Carol Lynn Chance ( Jim) Ashmore of Traverse City, Michigan, and Jon (Sue) Chance of Laguna Beach, California, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife of 39 years, the former Charlotte Renshaw, Mike was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin; sister, Deni Andrist; son-in-law, Jim Larkin.
A private burial will take place, followed by a Celebration of Life on September 21, 2024, in Canfield, Ohio. Arrangements for Cremation and Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., Austintown, Ohio. Share memories and send condolences or make a donation by visiting cremateohio.com.
