Jay Cossey

I was saddened to learn this morning of Jay's passing, as this unfortunate news is still spreading to some corners of his life. I met him when he was a photographer for what was then the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph. I had the good fortune to travel with him on a field course to Churchill, Manitoba and got to know him a little better. Though he always struck me as being quite modest, he had a clear passion for nature and talent for photography. His book "Southern Ontario Butterflies", which features his stunning pictures, will stand as a testament to his desire to make these insects more accessible to the general public.

Feb. 6, 2025. I just learned of Jay's passing. I was about to recommend Jay as a speaker for a nature club, but that is not to be. Sad. But there is much to be thankful for about his life. Jay took wonderful pictures of butterflies. Fellow insect people were just amazed by his images. I love his book "South Ontario Butterflies and their Natural History" and I hope people will find it in the library for years to come. For his work, Jay received the Norman Criddle Award from the Entomological Society of Canada in 2008. Jay was totally enthusiastic and fun-loving in his approach to insects. Just a delightful person. His account of his time working on the University of Guelph's "BIObus project," travelling all across North America to photograph and study insects for DNA barcoding, is an inspiration for all of us (see his website "Photographs from Nature").

Jay, your love of nature and of the most numerous creatures on our planet earth, insects (especially butterflies) was infectious. Your last visit to us on Georgian Bay was in May 2023 and of course, your camera was always in hand. You will be missed. Sincere condolences to Susan, Drew and family and Robbie.

I am so sorry to hear this. For you susan but also for your kids and grandkids. Such a hard thing. Im praying for all of you, especially as you make decisions for Rob. Much love susan

Our deepest and sincere condolences to you, Drew and his family and Robbie . Although we haven’t seen each other in a long while we always had fond memories knowing you .

Jack and I are deeply sorry to hear the sad news of Jay's passing. We have very fond memories of Jay and admired his celebration of God's creation in all its glory and his skill in capturing these with his photography. He also had a great sense of humor, and we will never forget his greatest prank on Jack which was after we moved away and Jack turned 50, he signed Jack up for AARP under a variety of pseudonym's, and we received a ton of new membership applications, at least one a week for a few months! Only Jay could come up with something like that! Jay's whole family are in our prayers. I am attaching a photo of a butterfly which I sent to Jay a few years ago (and he immediately identified it). This was our last communication and is our tribute to his love of such things. May God be with you all and may his memory be a blessing.

Once upon a time when I was a young little girl you spent time showing me your love for insects, animals, and all living creatures. How I was inspired by you my entire life because of the brief moments we got to spend together, I told everyone I knew about your collection of butterflies anytime we saw one. sending love to your family and friends❤️ I was always very fond of you, you’ll be greatly missed!