Roy Roy Coulter

We mourn the loss of a beloved spiritual leader and a remarkable soul as The Very Reverend Clayton Roy Coulter found eternal peace on August 30, 2023, following a brief illness. Born on February 2, 1931 in Hartney, Manitoba, Canada, to parents Thomas Roy and Mabel Coulter, Roy's life was a testament to dedication, faith, and unwavering service to his family, his community, and the Church.

Roy was the younger of two siblings and experienced a childhood marked by frequent relocations. His educational journey began in Brandon, Manitoba and his family's journey led them to Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and ultimately to Vancouver, British Columbia where Roy attended Kitsilano High School. He fondly remembered the Kitsilano Fight Song and sang it frequently in his final years, reciting every word with great fervor.

At the age of 15, Roy's family crossed the border into Bellingham, Washington, where he completed his senior year at Bellingham High School. Throughout his youth, Roy harbored a deep love for cinema and music, particularly singing. His remarkable soprano voice graced the choir of his church, and his commitment to faith led him to ascend through the ranks as an acolyte, achieving the highest honors in the process.

Roy attended Western State College in Bellingham where he earned his bachelor's degree. It was during this time he received his calling to the ministry, and therefore continued his studies at Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where he obtained his Masters in Divinity. His dedication to serving others then extended beyond academia as he proudly embarked on a trip to do missionary work in Haiti.

On June 29, 1956, Roy was ordained to the priesthood at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and began as curate at Trinity Episcopal Church in Seattle. On May 19, 1957, he was installed as vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington, where he found a kindred spirit in Sharon Towne, who shared his great love for music. They were married at her father's church in Puyallup on December 26, 1965.

In 1968, Roy moved to St. Paul's Episcopal Parish, where he brought an extroverted and charismatic personality to an otherwise introverted community. He and Sharon lived in the rectory on Queen Anne Hill and together raised their strong minded, compassionate daughters.

Roy's dedication and leadership within the church were unmistakable. In August 1981, he was called to Portland, Oregon, where he assumed the role of Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, on the campus of Oregon Episcopal School, a position he served with grace and warmth. His contributions to the diocese were further recognized when he became the Dean of the Diocese in November 1993, a role he fulfilled with steadfast commitment.

Throughout his life, Roy touched the hearts and souls of countless individuals through his inspiring sermons, understanding guidance, and gentle humanity. In the last decade of his life, with loving devotion, he cared for his wife, Sharon, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2013.

Roy was pre-deceased by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his sister, Elaine, his daughters Margaret Coulter, Kathryn Kenemer, Mary Wheeler, and Karen Gibson; his grandchildren Jack, Rory, Samantha, Patrick, Thomas, and Max; as well as his nieces, Elizabeth and Mary Clare, their children and their grand children. His memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and a shining example of faith, love, loyalty, and compassion.

Roy's service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on October 14th at 2pm with a reception to follow. His interment will be held at St Paul's Episcopal garden in Seattle at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Mercy Corps, the Coulter Concert Series at St John the Baptist in Portland, or the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon.