Leland Russell Stewart

Leland Stewart, born August 22, 1952, in Mesa, Ariz., passed away to be with the Lord for all eternity on September 17, 2014. He is rejoicing along with his brother Steve Stewart, his uncle Jim Hamilton, his father, Rene Loy Stewart and his mother, Patricia Ellen Hamilton.

Those left behind that have been greatly touched by his life are his wife, Rebecca Stewart; his sisters, Carol Stewart, Susan Honan along with her family; Leland’s sons, David, Jeff, Mike, Corey, Keith, and Andrew, along with their wives, Sonja, Wanda, Allison and Sommer; his daughter Megan; his grandchildren, Avery, Josephine, Abigail Asher, Nellie, Wyatt, Augustin, Kaleb, Colton and Salvatore; and countless friends across the United States.

Leland was known for his love of the Lord, and really poured himself out into the ministry of the Black Sheep during his last years of life. After being diagnosed with terminal melanoma, he took a Harley ride across the United States to tell people about the Lord’s love for them. While entering hospitals, homes and churches, he always had a prayer and a blessing ready to share with whomever the Lord led him to. When the cancer made riding difficult, his Black Sheep family supported him in turning his bike into a trike.

Leland loved the rain, riding his beloved Harley, working on cars, playing and recording music, watching races with his sons, playing practical jokes, and laughing with his loved ones. He was eager to encourage and build up whomever was struggling around him. Even when his body was riddled with disease, he was quick to ask how he could help someone else. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love and encouragement.

There will be a private burial held for his immediate family members at Greenwood Cemetery in Astoria, Ore. There will be a potluck memorial service held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, open to all, at

Coastline Christian Fellowship, 89386 Hwy 202, Astoria, Ore.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:5-8)