Our dear Jay passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Sault Area Hospital with his wife right there beside him.
He was the husband of The Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle and a proud dad to Stephen and Kevin. Jay was the son of Irene Koyle and the late Donald Koyle. He also leaves behind his sister Julie Koyle from London, Ontario. If you knew Jay, you’d know how much he adored his dog and best buddy Chanel. Lots of family, friends, members from St. Luke’s Cathedral, and folks across the diocese will miss him deeply.
Susan often talks about his big heart, his quirky sense of humor, and how devoted he was to those he loved.
Jay became a priest in 1987 with the Diocese of Huron where he took on various roles including parish leadership and teaching theology while also contributing to church life beyond just local communities. In 2010 he moved to the Diocese of Algoma first working as Congregational Development Officer then as Executive Archdeacon. By 2024 he became Dean of Algoma and led St. Luke’s Cathedral with care, curiosity for learning, and a generous approach to leadership.
Besides running cathedral duties Jay was also Provost and Director at Thorneloe University’s School of Theology where he helped shape theological education within Canada’s Anglican Church. He had quite a reputation as an expert in liturgy and preaching plus encouraging renewal among congregations.
His academic background includes a Doctorate in Ministry focused on Homiletics from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary; a Master’s degree in Theology (Liturgical Studies) from Notre Dame; a Master of Divinity from Huron University College; plus an Honours Bachelor’s in Music Education from Western University.
Over the years Jay got involved nationally and internationally – teaching, writing, joining groups like Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission; North American Academy of Liturgy; Societas Liturgica; International Anglican Liturgical Consultation – and chaired Faith, Worship & Ministry for Canada’s Anglican Church between 2016-2019.
If you met him you’d know Jay as an engaging preacher who thought deeply about faith while being generous as a pastor. His friendly nature mixed with humor made church communities stronger along with students and colleagues lucky enough to work alongside him.
As we send Jay into God’s hands forever we’re grateful for all the care given by doctors & nurses plus all the love friends & family shared during his last days here with us.
If you want to pay respects you’re welcome at St. Luke’s Cathedral (160 Brock Street) on Friday March 20th starting at 9:00 am until the Mass celebrating Jay’s life at 11:00 am led by Archbishop Anne Germond with Pastor Brad Mittleholtz preaching. Can’t make it? Watch online live at https://www. youtube. com/live/K3962Pn Ae Co. Donations can be made online or by cheque to St. Luke’s Cathedral if you’d like to honour his memory that way too. Feel free to share your memories or condolences over at www. arthurfuneralhome. com for the Koyle family.
