By Staff, March 20, 2026
This article and image originally appeared on the Diocese of Algoma page.
The Very Rev. Dr. Jay Koyle, Dean of the Diocese of Algoma and Incumbent of St. Luke’s Cathedral, died peacefully on Friday, March 13, after a brief illness, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, The Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle, and their sons Stephen and Kevin, as well as his sister, Ms. Julie Koyle, and his mother, Mrs. Irene Koyle. He will be greatly missed by many extended family and friends, along with the many members of the St. Luke’s Cathedral congregation and the wider diocesan family who loved him dearly.
Jay served the Church with distinction for many decades. Ordained to the priesthood in 1987 in the Diocese of Huron, he exercised a wide-ranging ministry in parish leadership, theological education, and the life of the wider Church. He relocated from the Diocese of Huron to the Diocese of Algoma in 2010 where he served first as the Congregational Development Officer and later as the Executive Archdeacon. In 2024, he was installed as the Dean of Algoma and Incumbent of St. Luke’s Cathedral, bringing to that ministry deep pastoral care, intellectual curiosity, and a generous spirit of leadership.
Alongside his cathedral ministry, Jay served as Provost and Director of the School of Theology at Thorneloe University, where he contributed significantly to theological education and leadership development within the Anglican Church of Canada. A respected liturgical scholar and teacher, he was widely known for his work in liturgy, preaching, and congregational renewal.
Jay held a Doctor of Ministry in Homiletics from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Theology (Liturgical Studies) from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Divinity from Huron University College, and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Music Education from Western University.
Throughout his ministry he served the wider Church through teaching, writing, and participation in national and international bodies devoted to liturgical life and renewal. He was a member of Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission, Societas Liturgica, and the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation, and served as Chair of Faith, Worship and Ministry for the Anglican Church of Canada from 2016 to 2019. He also was a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, where he was a longtime member of the Christian Initiation Seminar.
Those who knew Jay experienced him as a gifted preacher, thoughtful theologian, and generous pastor. His warmth, humour, and deep love for the Church enriched the communities he served and the many students and colleagues who learned alongside him.
As we commend Jay to God’s eternal care, we give thanks for the compassionate care of doctors and nurses and for the love of family and friends who surrounded him in his final days. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Luke’s Cathedral (160 Brock Street) on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:00 am until Jay’s Mass in memory and celebration at 11:00 am, Archbishop Anne Germond officiating and Pastor Brad Mittleholtz preaching. For those who are unable to attend the service, please join us online at https://www.youtube.com/live/K3962PnAeCo. Memorial contributions made (payable online or by cheque) to St. Luke’s Cathedral would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Koyle family.
May perpetual light shine upon him.
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