Stewart's page

Stewart moved to the Isle of Skye in the early 90s to experience a different life style. He was proud of taking a college course in instrument repair and he played in local bands particularly with Doc Livingstone including appearances at the Isle Of Skye Music Festival. Sadly, Stewart died from a brain tumour on the 5th January 2009. He continued to play well till shortly before his death as the sound file on this page will testify. The pictures below are of Stewart sent by his wife Jeana and she also kindly provided the sound files, Stewart's rendition of Aluminium Blues and Carrickfergus.

A note from Keith: As a result of this website I was contacted by Olivia Wilkinson, Stewart's daughter. It was so good to hear from her and I replied telling her that Stewart and I had not seen, or contacted, each other at all in 38 years which was strange because we always got on so well. Also, ironically Jen and I had unknowingly driven past Stewart's and Jeana's home on Skye last September (2008). A missed opportunity.
I asked Olivia if she could fill in some of the gaps. Below is the email she sent me. (which I include with her permission)
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Hi there, Keith.
 
Well it wasn't as easy to stay in touch back then! Dad married my Mum Patrizia, an Italian model, in September 1971 and I came along in '72. He met her while touring in Rome. Would that have been with Swegas? I imagine so. The marriage lasted 20 years (not bad considering they hardly spoke the same language when they were first together!) and I have 2 younger brothers. They divorced some years ago and as you know when he died he was very happily married to Jeana who is a wonderful woman.
 
He spent quite a few years working in London in music publishing, then at Shepperton Studios for a while, all the while still gigging for various bands at the weekends but in the mid 90's he moved to Scotland. To about the most remote Island I've ever seen! He moved to the Isle of Skye about 10 years ago and earned his living as a music teacher and postman, he lived quite the rural life of bliss! He had had enough of London years before and wanted to be away from it all. He definitely achieved that! Until weeks before he died he was still playing with a band. Pretty modern stuff, Kings of Leon etc. Even Scissor Sisters! 
 
The recent pictures you have seen of him are not indicative of how he looked before he became ill. With the illness the weight piled on but in fact he still looked really good until about a year and a half ago. I consider myself very lucky to have had 2 such good looking parents. I just adore the photos of all of you during your time in Swegas. Funny how fashion goes in circles, none of you would have looked out of place right now!  
 
Hope that fills in the gaps a little. It's surreal to be in touch with you! But really nice, I'm very glad Jeana made the connection.
 
Olivia XX

P.S. We all remember very well Stewart meeting Patrizia in Rome. Coming home in the van they announced they were getting hitched. That's Patrizia in the photo gallery with her back to us. (bottom middle in 'On The Road' section) Keith