Obit: Lynn, Barry (1914 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Doran, Lynn

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 1/30/2018

Lynn, Barry (11 FEB 1914 - 27 JAN 2018)

Barry Lynn died at his ChaliceStream home, near Ladysmith on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, nearly reaching his 104th birthday.

Barry was born on Feb. 11, 1914 in Roxboro, N.C., the eldest of three brothers. He began his career in art as a portrait painter. Later, he chose to become a dancer, which path he followed for the remainder of his long life.

After many years concertizing as a soloist across the states and abroad, as well as directing several dance theater companies he formed in Utah, he and his life partner, Michael Doran, whom he met in 1977, founded ChaliceStream, near Ladysmith, to be a teaching and performing place for their art.

In 1984, Wisconsin Public Television produced an hour-long film, entitled “A Place Called ChaliceStream,” documenting the newly-established project. At that time audiences were seated on a grassy hillside facing an outdoor stage. Later, the performances were housed in the studio, the former Willard Center School, which Lynn and Doran had moved onto their premises.

Throughout the seasons they regularly performed their dance works, eventually including guest performers on the program.

With his strikingly-white hair and personal stylings, Barry was recognized by many in the area and respected for his independence. He was a founding member of the Rusk Area Arts Alliance and was honored by the Ladysmith Area Chamber of Commerce in 2014, receiving their Legacy Award. ChaliceStream was also recognized by the Eau Claire Regional Arts Council for Outstanding Achievement in an Artistic Discipline.

Barry is survived by his life-partner, Michael Doran, who noted, “We have lost an amazing human being, a mentor to many, an inspiration, a resilient and singular designer, an indefatigable spirit. Barry’s death is a deeply personal loss to me, his partner of 40 years. I am grateful for the time he and I shared. I am bereft of him now and lean on the caring sympathies of our friends.”

ChaliceStream Studio will host a memorial concert on Feb. 11, beginning at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lynn Dance Company.