Chance Butterfield

The Town of Fountain Hills was saddened to learn about the unexpected loss of long-time town employee and resident, Chance Butterfield, on Monday, Dec. 6. He was found deceased at his home by a roommate.

A statement released by the Town of Fountain Hills said Chance had worked for the town since 1998 and had been serving as the full-time Park Operations Lead assigned to Golden Eagle Park for several years.

“As a small organization, the town is an extension of our families. Learning about the death of Chance really affected all of us, particularly those who worked closely with him,” Town Manager Grady Miller said in the statement. “Chance is going to be missed and it will be difficult to fill the void he has left behind.”

The Town of Fountain Hills is making grief counseling available to town staff.

Miller added that with Chance’s dedication and professionalism, he helped a number of user groups such as the Little League, softball leagues, tennis leagues, and every day residents who enjoyed Golden Eagle Park and appreciated his assistance along the way.

“We were lucky to have had Chance on the Fountain Hills team,” said Mayor Linda Kavanagh.

“Chance worked hard at keeping Golden Eagle Park beautiful. He was always very helpful to our residents who needed assistance at the park.

“The members of the Town Council and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Chance’s family and share in their loss.”

Danny Tancredi is a town employee, now retired, and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Tancredi worked alongside Butterfield for many years.

Tancredi said Butterfield’s two favorite sports teams were an odd match for Arizona, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also loved hunting and fishing.

“He loved (Golden Eagle) Park,” Tancredi said. “He wanted to keep it beautiful all of the time, the grass green and everything just right.

“He was great to work with.”

Friends and family held a remembrance service for Chance on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Golden Eagle Park.