Reverend Stewart Tyler

Revd Stewart Tyler taken from Parish Magazine 2020

Revd Stewart's funeral was on Friday 15th May and sadly of course no one was able to attend other than immediate family. Harlaston along with other Mease Valley villages stood along the roadside to say their final goodbye to this much loved and respected man as the cortege made its way from Chilcote through the villages en route to Fradley Crematorium. 

(Please note this time was governed by strict COVID restrictions, mixing outside of your bubble was prohibited to stop the spread of the disease and so many were forced to show their respect in alternative ways)

Stewart, who lived in Chilcote with his wife Jackie and had two daughters, Nicola and Caroline, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease three years ago but continued with great courage in active ministry until the end, preaching and presiding over services from his wheelchair, assisted by Jackie, a Reader.

He featured in a moving video on the diocese's Ex-Cluded facebook page last summer called 'Being a priest when your body only works from the neck up'. This led to him appearing on BBC Radio 4 in a service celebrating the witness of people with disabilities.

Stewart said: "We are all charged by our Lord to use our gifts and talents in His service, and these can come in many guises. I thank God that I have been given the opportunity to use this disability in His name, and pray for al who are being excluded from his service. God creates, he loves and calls every one of us, just as we are."

In recognition of his inspirational ministry and service Stewart was awarded the Royal Maundy by the queen earlier this month.