San Ramon grad Matt Chance dies in snowboarding accident

Matthew Chance, 27, died Feb. 28 doing what he loved to do most – snowboarding.

Mr. Chance, a graduate of San Ramon Valley High School, was living in Bern, Switzerland, where he worked as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young. He began his career in its San Francisco office, then moved to Switzerland with the company in December 2008.

He loved snowboarding, motorcycling, white water rafting, tennis, golf and travel. He died in a snowboarding accident at the Swiss ski resort of Verbier near Geneva doing what he loved most on fresh powder. He was with two friends from Bern, Amir and Klara, and two longtime friends from Danville, Eric and Ian.

Mr. Chance was born in Oakland, raised in Walnut Creek in his early years, then moved to Danville with his family when he was 10 years old. After San Ramon Valley High, he graduated from Cal State University San Luis Obispo.

He is survived by his parents, Anna and Bob Chance of Danville, sister Elizabeth and brother Gregory, and many cousins, aunts and uncles in the Bay Area, Italy and Australia.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, followed by a reception at Crow Canyon Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to St. Vincent de Paul where Matt volunteered serving food to the poor or in his name to a charity of choice. A Facebook page has been set up by friends to remember him.

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