Stewart loved football and particularly enjoyed working alongside his family at the club.
He was at the helm when Fort won four games in a row for the first time in their history in the 2014/15 season when the club finished in 13th place, the highest league position since 2004/05.
Speaking about Stewart's influence on the area's football, Lochaber Thistle manager Alan Gray said: 'When I moved here and started coaching at Fort William FC alongside Calum MacLean, Ally Ewen and John Matheson, Stewart couldn't have been been more helpful.
'He would be excited to hear how the lads were training and gave a lot of his time and money to the club to keep it afloat and help the management team be as competitive as possible on the park.
'Stewart was a man always willing to listen and take on board advice on the footballing front and gave me an opportunity along with Calum to be involved in football in the town. He will be sadly missed.'
Fort William FC were also saddened to hear about Stewart's passing. A club spokesperson said: 'Stewart did a huge amount for the club.'
Both teams expressed their condolences to Stewart's family and friends.
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Tributes have been paid to Stewart MacLean following his death earlier this month. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos
NO F03 STEWART MACLEAN
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