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BORN
1943
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
JAY KEYSTONE Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for JAY KEYSTONE
88 Entries
Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson
March 10, 2025
I saw D. Keystone's name on a list of major donors on the wall at Toronto Western Hospital today, and it jumped out at me as a person who had helped me as a patient many years ago while I was engaged in global work. I remember him with sincere gratitude, and send much belated condolences to his family. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Nan Hudson, Trinity St. Paul's United Church, Toronto.
Zhanna Volynskaya
August 1, 2023
Please pass this note to Jay´s family . Dear Donna , children and relatives,
I am dreadfully sorry to learn that Jay has passed away in 2019. Please accept our deepest condolences. My daughter Julia, my mom and I have met him and his family in 1987 when we arrived from Moscow, Russia after 7 years of being refuseniks. Danielle was my daughter´s twin and we were kindly invited to come for her Batmitcvah. It was Jay and Donna who arranged our flight to Toronto from RI Usa and kindly welcomed us . We never forgot their generosity and attention to our family.
After so many years being far away from Toronto i will be going coming to Toronto on August 12 and would like if it is possible to see Donna and Daniele. Here is my phone #
401 338 9939.
The wonderful memory of Dr. Jay Keystone will always stay in our hearts .
Dr. Zhanna Volynskaya.
Erik Sweezey
February 11, 2023
I will always remember Jay Keystone for the care that he provided to me back in 2007 after my trip around the world where I developed Leishmanias. My family and I were always appreciative of the care he provided to me over several years as he worked to help cure it.
Thank you for all your assistance.
Erik Sweezey
Larry Skiba
November 5, 2022
Enjoyed hearing him in Seatle with Far Side slides, and touring around Christchurch New Zealand before earthquakes!
Adrian Sohn
September 21, 2021
I’d seen him a number of times regarding my medical trips to Africa
He was kind and incredibly helpful
Thanks to Jay
Michele Murphy
June 19, 2021
Dr Keystone was so loving to my sister who travelled from Alberta to have several consultations with him. His kindness was exceptional and I appreciated her being treated with such dignity. A truly great man. We look forward to seeing him again one day.
Brian Dingle
April 1, 2021
I interned at the hospital where the Keystone twins were finishing their internal medicine residency. Both brothers were inspirations to their students and colleagues, and in the words of Sir William Osler, were always able, affable, and available. I am sure I join literally thousands of other physicians in mourning the loss of Jay, and extend both my sympathy, and my gratitude, to the family.
Nicholas Ruddock
December 22, 2020
Please forward to Donna Keystone and Ed Keystone...>
Dear Donna,
I saw your letter-to-the-editor of CFP. I hadn’t realized that Jay was in such dire straits, nor that he had died. He was once a great help to one of my daughters. I’d like to add that I admired the Keystone twins from afar, in medical school and beyond, for their good humour and obvious talents. But I also want to tell you, Donna, directly, that I agree with you 1000% about MAID. Your letter was strong and unyielding (I missed the original piece, to which yours was a reply.) Thanks, and best wishes to you and your large extended family.
Nick
M.S. Mahdy
October 5, 2020
From a close friend to a close friend.
Preeta Unni
March 26, 2020
I have had the opportunity to listen to Dr Keystone on one of the presentations he did for THIA (Travel Health Insurance Association) regarding Infectious Diseases in travelers. Dr Keystone's humor was well evident in his presentation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, mentees, students. May his soul rest in peace
Paul Anderson
January 6, 2020
I'm very sorry to hear of Dr. Keystone's passing. I only met him twice, but I was greatly impressed with his thorough professionalism, and the respectful and compassionate approach he had with patients. It was also very evident that his students and colleagues held him in high regard. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Mahmood Elahi
December 10, 2019
Like many medical students I always looked forward to Dr. Keystone teaching what was often a very confusing topic that he made fun and understandable. That was 3 decades ago at the U of T ! His passion and work endures with generations of clinicians. Thanks for all your efforts and may God grant you peace.
Husn Frayha
November 12, 2019
May Jays soul rest peacefully in Heaven. Great person! He was always ready to provide advice! He will be sorely missed.
Cheryl EDWARDS
November 4, 2019
When you treated our mother in the last years and months of your life, your brilliance and compassion gave our family hope when there had been none. You offered our mother another chapter and some dignity and peace of mind. I will never forget your dedication, courage and extraordinary sensitivity. Rest in peace Dr. Keystone.
alexander franklin
October 28, 2019
JK brought AI to Trop Med via Israeli Gideon. JK was on Int Committee
Johnny Nie
October 17, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Keystone's passing. Dr. Keystone was one of the most passionate teachers I met during my medical training. The thoughtful and empathic way he treated his patients and colleagues was a great example for me to follow. He was always living life to the fullest, giving it all to his profession and his loved ones. He was an amazing role model all around.
Like many others, I am blessed to have him as one of my mentors. He will continue to motivate me to be my best, and he will be missed dearly.
October 13, 2019
The American Travel Health Nurses Association mourns the passing of this wonderful man. Please go to our website www.athna.org for our tribute to Jay. He was a champion.
Prateek Lala
September 30, 2019
Dr. Keystone was one of the kindest, smartest, most inspiring mentors I had during my training. Even in his last days, when I contacted him with a clinical question, not knowing of his declining health, he responded immediately with nothing but compassion and excellent advice. He was a giant within the medical community, and society at large, as demonstrated by being awarded the Order of Canada. He will be missed by generations of former students and colleagues. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends.
Rushmi (Ratna) Shah
September 25, 2019
My Condolences to Dear Margaret Mascarenhas for your loss of your loving Husband. May god rest his soul in peace
Erika Bailey
September 19, 2019
We are so saddened to hear of Jays passing. As a long-time mentor and supporter of U of T students in the Job Shadowing program at Career Exploration & Education, Jay played an important part in helping students navigate and answer their pressing career questions. He instilled them with curiosity and hope. We will miss working with him and wish to send our deepest sympathies to Jay's family and close friend circles.
Paul Thistle
September 15, 2019
I am surprised and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jay Keystone. As a final year medical student in 1989, Jay was my ward chief in Internal Medicine in the Bell Wing of Toronto General Hospital. He inspired us to think and act globally. It worked. My career in international health remains to this day, a small tribute to his excellent example and mentorship.
Thank you, Dr. Keystone. You are a deep inspiration. May the family be comforted at this time of great sadness.
Paul Thistle
Karanda Mission Hospital
Zimbabwe
Anne Lancashire
September 11, 2019
Dr. Keystone always had time for the needs of even minor travel patients such as myself, and was wonderfully accessible in attitude and in personal warmth. Whatever the situation, he was buoyant and encouraging, with sound advice and a great sense of humour. He lived life joyously, and I feel privileged to have known him.
September 11, 2019
My Condolences to all the family. He was always an enlightening and entertaining teacher
John Axler
Jodie Goldhart
September 10, 2019
My condolences to the family. He was a wonderful man
Angela Cheung
September 10, 2019
My deepest condolences to Jay's family! He was a dear colleague, who never said no to me when I showed up at his TGH office (unannounced) with a tropical disease question for one of my patients. He had a wealth of information and expertise, and abundant kindness. He will be sadly missed!
Christine Fernandes
September 10, 2019
My condolences to the family of Dr. Jay Keystone. He was one of the best in his field and will be sorely missed. He was a caring physician who made his patients feel comfortable. Most of all he was a good and kind person. May he rest in peace and may the good Lord give peace to his family.
Anthony Bryceson
September 10, 2019
Happy memories; thanks forr your friendship and love to Donna.
Michael Hollingdale
September 9, 2019
Condolences to dear Marg for your loss. Your loving care for and dedication to Jay over many months has been marvellous.
Lynn McIntyre
September 9, 2019
To my old mentor and Tropical Medicine Fellowship supervisor, I thank you for launching my career. To the family, my deepest condolences. We have lost a medical pioneer.
Rawia Salman
September 9, 2019
Dr. Jay your departure is great loss in the medical field. You saved my life in the summer of 2002.
Great human RIP
September 9, 2019
Dr. Jay you will be missed tremendously. You saved my life in the summer of 2002. RIP
Rawia Salman
David Zakus
September 8, 2019
Hi to all Jay's Family and Friends. I just want to add my sincerest and most heartfelt goodbye to Jay and condolences to all those close to him. He was a great friend and mentor and never thought twice to offer help whenever asked. May God Bless him forever.
Lin Chen
September 8, 2019
To the Family of Dr. Jay Keystone,
Deepest condolences for your loss. A renowned authority on travel/tropical medicine, a brilliant clinician and teacher, a kind person and friend, legendary humor and wit.... The memories of Jay will be treasured.
Karl Weiss
September 8, 2019
Sincere condoleances from the entire Quebec infectious diseases community. Jay was a beacon and an inspiration for generations of physicians. He was brilliant, funny and always eager to share his wealth of knowledge with others. He will be deeply missed.
Christine Rozum
September 7, 2019
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Keystone. In 2005, he saved my husband's life. My husband had contracted typhoid, despite having the vaccination, while he was at work (international cargo pilot) and Dr. Keystone had figured out his diagnosis and then also the subsequent pulmonary embolism, simply by tapping his torso, when the ER doctor had sent him home with "bruised ribs". I will be forever grateful to Dr. Keystone, for literally saving his life and for always having such a wonderful bedside manner. His great sense of humour helped us through a very trying time. His breadth of knowledge was fascinating and amazing and I'm so happy and honoured to have had a chance to hear some of his stories about his travels. Deepest condolences to the Keystone family. Every time I see an elephant, I'll remember him.
June Armstrong
September 7, 2019
I am so deeply saddened to hear this news.
Jay, you were the best - brilliant, kind, funny and always happy to share your amazing knowledge to help others.
What will we do without you? Truly one of a kind. Your extraordinary contributions to travel medicine will live on forever.
You were and will continue to be an inspiration.
Steven Drews
September 6, 2019
Jay was one of the best teachers I have ever had. We all used to make sure we were there for his rounds at Sinai in the early-mid 2000s. He always asked for us to give more while creating one of the kindest teaching environments I have seen.
Bless you Jay
Maya Harari
September 6, 2019
Jay was one of the most inspiring doctors during my training at U of T. When working overseas I would email him with questions about difficult patients and he would always reply and very quickly. Although I did not know him well personally, he treated me as a friend and colleague. My deepest condolences to the Keystone family.
David Patrick
September 6, 2019
Oh, Goodness. So sad to see Jay leave us. He really set the tone for Tropical Medicine in this country yet remained approachable, funny and inclusive for everyone.
mark diamond
September 6, 2019
How do you express your thoughts to a family you really dont know when you are just one of thousands that have benefited over the years from the kindness, intelligence, warmth, compassion, and care that Jay always would offer. Jay was there for friends, for family, for patients and for people from around the world who were in need of medical support. Jay was one of a kind. He made everyone feel like they were the only one that matters. Jay's smile would light up a room, make you feel so comfortable and create a bond of trust that was always followed through with with results. May we all try to be like Jay Keystone and our world will be a better place.
Ameeta Singh
September 6, 2019
Dr. Keystone was a wonderful mentor and teacher and I will always be grateful to have spent time training and learning with him as an Infectious Diseases fellow at the Tropical Diseases Unit in the mid 1990s. My heartfelt condolences to his family at this time of loss
Jennifer Bayne
September 6, 2019
I was a colleague of Jay's at TGH during the 80's and 90's. In addition to being a world renowned clinician, researcher, and teacher, he was just an exceptionally kind man. I remember two occasions vividly. The first was shortly after my sister died (at age 29) and Jay must have read her obituary because he came to my office and just put his arms around me while I cried. I felt such solace in his kind gesture and words. The second was shortly after I had started a medication that caused me to have unexpected and undesired almost-psychotic symptoms. I didn't know what to do but then Jay dropped by and, without commenting on my behaviour or making any sort of negative remark, simply asked if I was ok and if there was anything he could do to support me. Again, I was struck by his deep compassion, non-judgmental caring, and thoughtfulness. I was so sad to learn of his death. The world has lost a lovely soul.
Maria Mileno
September 6, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Jay taught us so much and he really, really made us laugh.
John Conly
September 6, 2019
Sincere condolences . I had the pleasure of working with Jay for almost 10 years while in Toronto at the UHN and he was the epitome of a "scholar and a gentleman" who laced his teaching and patient care with humility, grace and a keen sense of humour that brought much laughter and joy into the lives of those with whom he interacted. He will be greatly missed.
Annabelle Moskowitz
September 6, 2019
Sincere condolences to the Keystone family.Jay was a kind,friendly, and bright man. I am glad to have known him. Annabelle
Alice Gallagher
September 6, 2019
Such a delightful, funny, informative speaker. I always looked forward to seeing him speak at travel conferences. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.
Javier Arranz
September 6, 2019
Thanks for share your knwoledge with many of us. I only enjoyed him through his books but he was a light to follow on my travel health practice. Thanks.
Silvy Mathew
September 6, 2019
It's not unique to say that Jay was a mentor, an inspiration and a wonderful teacher. Having worked with him after being a practicing physician, his humanity and humility is what made me adore him, as I'm sure goes for most of his friends, colleagues and patients. I cannot say what an impact he had: four years of undergrad and a year of tropical medicine did nothing for the 4 weeks I spent with him. And that's not to say I learned about microbes the most. After practicing by then for 5 years, I learned more about how to be the best physician. It is our collective loss that Jay isn't with us to lead further. Rest in peace; you have left a profound legacy, more than you were probably aware.
Lynn McColl
September 5, 2019
I worked with Jay at TGH from 84-88. I was the Coordinator of Medical Education and my job was to evaluate and improve the quality of medical education. Jay was a key person in this work. He was lovely. I remember it was standing room only for his presentations, as he delivered them with flair, style and depth; a difficult combination. One of the good guys, I was so saddened to read of his death. Far too young. I am thinking of his family and the grief you are experiencing. We grieve because we love and that is the pain of love. God speed Jay. I wish I could be in Toronto to attend shiva to show my respect. My heart is with your family. Lynn McColl, M.Ed.
Brian Aw
September 5, 2019
To the Keystone family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was an amazing teacher and motivated me to really take an interest in travel medicine. His lectures and ability to communicate taught me what good lecturing is all about. He's the one who put Canada on the map in the world of travel medicine and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be forever missed.
Judith Walker
September 5, 2019
Although it's been years since our time in school together, the memories of Jay's wit and intelligence stay strong. His obvious contributions to medicine and patients are remarkable, but exactly what those who studied with him expected. He will be missed, but will live on through his teachings and discoveries .
Mohamud Daya
September 5, 2019
Jay was an amazing physician, leader, colleague and friend. He took care of me as a patient In Toronto and also encouraged me to pursue tropical diseases at the LSHTM. I send my prayers and thoughts for courage and strength during this difficult time and that his soul may rest in eternal peace.
Dr.Sankar Vaidyanathan
September 5, 2019
Dr. Keystone you had a unique talent which is unmatched. Your wit and wisdom will be missed. The World has lost a great teacher and the void will be difficult to fill
Kimberly Moleski, RN
September 5, 2019
A light has gone out in the world of travel/tropical medicine. Dr. Keystone was the one who made the information come alive for all who were fortunate enough to have attended his lectures, read his work, or enjoyed a conversation with him. My most sincere condolences to each of his family, and God bring you comfort.
Suni Boraston
September 5, 2019
Jay was a wonderful colleague and will be greatly missed.
Yen-Giang Bui
September 5, 2019
To the family of Dr Keystone,
I am sorry for your loss, Dr Keystone was a great person and a wonderful teacher. His kindness and generosity were as well known as his sense of humor.
A light has gone out in the Travel Medicine firmament.
Tara Lombardo
September 5, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about this news. Jay was one of the reasons I wanted to work in Pre travel health. He was a great teacher and will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Laura Hladki
September 5, 2019
It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Keystone at Medisys. An exceptionally talented Doctor and a remarkable person. To his family, patients, and colleagues, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
September 5, 2019
my condolences to his family. my prayers for Dr Jay Stephen Keystone's soul resting in peace.
Mui Bui , ISTM member
If you've been to one of Jay's talks you'll understand this.
Ken Dardick
September 5, 2019
The world is surely a darker place without Jay.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Rita LoMagno
September 5, 2019
My deepest condolences to Dr. Keystone's family and friends. I first spoke with Dr. Keystone by phone and then met him a couple of years later. He left a lasting impression on me in a positive and memorable way. He shared his illness with me without any sadness; in fact he made a joke and laughed about it. As I was suffering with my own illness at that time, he gave me hope simply in the way he spoke - with a smile. The past, present and future can be very sad and depressing without laughter. I will never forget his laughter and his smile. Dr. Keystone - you are one of a kind!
Roberta Dismukes
September 5, 2019
Sadness has overwhelmed me with this news. May God bless his family and may they be comforted by the memories they shared as a family. My thoughts are with them.
Ross Davidson
September 5, 2019
As a fellow in Microbiology, Jay's tropical medicine rounds were not to be missed. As a lecturer and teacher, Dr. Keystone had no equal. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
Colin Lee
September 5, 2019
Jay was a very important mentor for me during medical school, residency and during practice. He provided me and many others with the kind of mentor and colleague support that we all would like to provide to others. He will be sorely missed by many, but his 10 commandments for tropical travel to stay healthy will never be forgotten !
Martin Haditsch
September 5, 2019
Jay was one of the first leaders of the ISTM I had the pleasure and honour to call a friend. Although we met in conferences and meetings only there are too many unique stories and situations which left a permanent and incredibly personal imprint in my memories.
No question that he was brilliant in so many aspects - and his way to communicate and transfer knowledge was imcomparable...something that was appreciated by non-native speakers (like me), too. So it was no surprise that he was the first to get a clear 1.0 (the best possible) as feedback from collegues attending the "Linz travel medicine meeting" where he gave a lecture on STDs.
Dear Jay, so many of us will miss you and your special sense of humor.
Martin Haditsch, Md, PhD - Austria
Robert Dedmon
September 5, 2019
To Jay's family
Jay was a valued leader, teacher,colleague and friend of many years via our ISTM work. He will be missed! We both had great respect for him professionally and personally
Peace and blessings to you all
Bob and HELEN DEDMON
Isaiah 40:31
September 5, 2019
My condolences. My daughter truly benefited from the Tropical Diseases Unit created by Dr. Keystone. Until going there, medical professionals were at a loss to determine what was ailing her or how to help. Thank you Dr. Keystone.
Tony Reid
September 5, 2019
Jay, we will sorely miss your clinical acumen, superb teaching and infectious sense of humour, but most of all your kindness and humanity. A life lived to the fullest. Travel well on the other side.
Murray Soupcoff
September 5, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My special condolences to Eddie.
Sigmund ( Siggy) Krajden
September 5, 2019
Jay was a mentor, colleague and most of all a friend for almost 40 years; he left had time, patience and humor always. A hole has been left in my life and many others
Murray Soupcoff
September 5, 2019
My sympathies go out to the entire Keystone family.
Oddly enough, I had no interactions with Jay in his medical capacity.
Instead, I was a childhood friend of both Jay & Eddie, and often played at their Burnaby Rd. home. Lots of pleasant memories.
Jay will by much missed.
September 4, 2019
An incredible teacher,
and physician, with a "wicked " sense of humor. The medical community has lost a great man.
Rest in peace. V Kohut
Erika Bartels
September 4, 2019
My sincerest condolences to family and friends. As both a colleague and the Mom of a former patient, I know Dr.Keystone was not only a brilliant and talented physician but also a genuinely nice man. His passing is a huge loss and he will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace.
Marty Cetron
September 4, 2019
Dearest Jay
Your clinical acumen is legendary, your wit a balance of irreverence and biting humor, your teaching prowess something to behold; but above all you're a kind-hearted compassionate doctor and beloved friend / mentor to so many. I kindle this memorial in the honor of your enlightened legacy. Zichrona L'Vrecha
Marty
September 4, 2019
Truly a friend and colleague with insight, wisdom and always, a great sense of humour. Condolences to the many whose lives he touched and who mourn yet rejoice for the memories.
G. William N. Fitzgerald, CM, MD, FRCSC
James & Lois
September 4, 2019
We looked forward to visiting Dr. Jay before each of our trips. We valued his knowledge, balanced judgment and great humour. I think we took some of our more adventurous trips Burma and Colombia just so we had an excuse to visit with Dr. Jay. We will miss him when we take any future trips.
Terry Murray
September 4, 2019
I'm so sorry to learn of Jay's death. I interviewed him many times in my medical journalism career and appreciated his accessibility, openness, patience and sense of humour.
Michael Sarin
September 4, 2019
Jay was one of Canadas foremost experts in tropical and travel medicine. He had an encyclopedic knowledge and was always willing to help. Most loved by his undergraduate and postgraduate students.
September 4, 2019
No one will ever tell at anymore this line: "Let's go home, ladies"...thanks for your kindness, Dr. Keystone, for sure you will be missed.
Dr. Steve Levinson
September 4, 2019
I just heard and I am heartbroken. I was friends with Jay for 50 years and I loved him, and I would have told him if I hadn't always been laughing so hard every time I was with him! He was a medical legend and a wonderful man. My condolences to Ed, Donna and the rest of the family.
Dwight Ferris
September 4, 2019
Jay was an inspiration to the Tropical Medicine community - an outstanding clinician, teacher, mentor, researcher and colleague - he will be missed by all who knew him. Sincere condolences to the family - Dwight Ferris MD
Ivy
September 4, 2019
Will miss you Jay. So privileged to have met you.
Kaitlin
September 4, 2019
Thank you Dr Keystone for your help before I went away to fulfill my dreams to explore the world. You will be missed!
Carolyn Moskowitz
September 4, 2019
Dear Danielle, Kathryn, Jen, David, and Kevin, I am sorry for your profound loss. Your dad was funny, spirited, joyful, intelligent, kind, and generous, and I am grateful to have known him.He touched the lives of not only his large community of family and friends, but his patients and others who benefited from his medical wisdom and caring. I extend my condolences to your partners and children, to Jay's wife Margaret, and to Donna.
Carolyn Moskowitz
Chrystal S
September 4, 2019
RIP Dr Jay. You were an awesome person.
Monica Appugliesi
September 4, 2019
Dr Jay
Words can not express this day w sadness but also I can hear you , My quarter back thank you for being an amazing human being and taking good care always with humour and love. My deepest condolences to your beautiful wife and five children and grandchildren and all family. You lived life as you said and living it. Your an angel to so many and I know you will be for so many through out. Thank you for being in my love and many. I will miss you but I know as well as I am in India you are here always. Love and blessings Monica.
cheryl catzman
September 3, 2019
Such an accomplished man has passed too soon. My sympathies to his entire family Cheryl Catzman (Steve Wahl's cousin)
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Memorial Events
for JAY KEYSTONE
Sep
4
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
City Shul (The Bloor Street United Church)
300 Bloor Street West (at Huron Street), ON
Funeral services provided by:
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel2401 Steeles Avenue West, Toronto, ON M3J 2P1