Rollen Stewart:
Who remembers this guy? He is Rollen Stewart who gained fame and notoriety in the late 1970's and 1980's by showing up at sporting events in the United States and around the world.
He was always adorned with his rainbow wig and in the 80's with signs that read "John 3:16". He started out just looking for publicity but later became a born again Christian and was determined to get the word out via the media.
Why am I showing you his picture you might ask? In 1980 the Winter Olympics came to Lake Placid in Upstate New York. My brother Craig, his wife Joann, my brother Stephen and I left Schenectady on a Wade Tours bus and went for one of the day packages that they ran.
We witnessed Eric Heiden win a gold medal in Speed skating. We saw the Soviet Union vs Canada hockey game where we cheered on the greatly disliked Russians in the hopes they would play the United States in the finals. That is what ultimately happened and is better known as "The Miracle On Ice". Most interesting of all is the fact we met Rollen Stewart.
So where is our friend Rollen Stewart today one might ask? He is serving three consecutive life sentences for kidnapping. In 1992 he kidnapped two men. Took them to a vacant hotel room where upon entering the room a maid panicked and locked herself in the bathroom. There was a standoff with police where Rollen threatened to shoot planes taking off from Los Angeles Airport. He also placed placards all over the windows of the room with none other than "John 3:16". He believed the Rapture was coming in 6 days.
Rollen is up for Parole for the third time in 2017? Perhaps we should go on his behalf?
I was also in Lake Placid for the Winter Olympics. I was a chaperone for the Mohonasen Marching Band who performed that day and Linda was in the band. We were there the day the US beat Russia and the little Main St. in Lake Placid exploded with every goal scored. It was wild! I also had my picture taken with Beth Heiden who was one of the athletes strolling along the street. She was also a speed skater. Good times, good memories!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the read Barb. You have already fulfilled my prophecy for this blog. I want to stir memories of others and have them share. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI remember him from his early life and what I read about his early life on many sites does not jive with the history classmates and neighbors remember. His sister was my best friend when she is referenced it is never the truth. Yes, 1968 was a rough year for him with the loss of both his mother and sister but using it as an excuse for his behaviors when many go through so much worse is..well, Rollen
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