BARRY’S BAY – A legendary step dancer who offered classes to students in Barry’s Bay has passed away at the age of 63.
Harry ‘Buster’ Brown was born to parents Harry and Christina. He grew up in Ottawa with six brothers including Orville, Glenn, Brian, Kirby, Brett and Richard.
When Buster was nine years old, he met Donnie Gilchrist, a legendary dancer living in Ottawa. Gilchrist took Buster under his wing and taught him everything he needed to know about step dancing.
Buster was ready to start teaching at the young age of 12. He had to tour the Valley with a chauffeur because he was too young to qualify for a driver’s license. Not only was Buster a talented step dancer, but he played the violin as well.
One of his first dance championships was clouded with tragedy. Buster’s dad Harry had passed away as Buster was competing in the Valley. It was only after he had won the championship that he learned of his father’s passing.
Despite the heartbreak, Buster continued to perform. For three years in a row, he was champion at the North American Step Dancing Competition.
Get your April 23, 2014 edition of The Valley Gazette to read this full story.