Passed away unexpectedly surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) in Victoria B.C. He was born on May 12, 1952, in Yellowknife, N.W.T. to parents Fred and Martha Kent (deceased), who emigrated from the Czech Republic. Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lise; daughter, Chelsea Pettinger (Abby and Luke); son, Joshua Kent (Jadon); brother, Perry and wife Jocelyne; sister, Linda and husband Alan (deceased), and nieces, Jamie, Christie (Jackson), and Jennifer. He is also survived by his uncle Jarka, many cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Steve attended medical school in Manitoba and, after a pediatric pulmonary fellowship in Honolulu, came to B.C. in 1981. He quickly established himself as a passionate pioneer in the realm of pediatric pulmonology. Working closely with colleagues at the BC Children’s Hospital, he was involved in launching a newborn cystic fibrosis (CF) screening program in B.C. He was instrumental in establishing Vancouver Island’s first CF clinic at VGH, giving children and their families hope for a healthier future. Steve spent 3 years as a consulting pediatrician with interest in Pediatric Pulmonology, at the Shaikh Khalifa Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. He was dedicated to his Tofino, B.C clinic and took pride caring for the children in the surrounding areas. His work as a consultant pediatrician at Willows Pediatrics in Victoria was another impactful way he engaged his specialty.
Steve was a tireless advocate for his patients, a collaborative colleague, and an extraordinarily kind clinician. As a pediatrician, he consistently worked towards improving care and services for those with CF. A major acknowledgement of this work came in 2021 when Steve was recipient of the CF Canada Dr. Douglas Crozier Award for exceptional support to individuals or families living with CF.
As a medical educator, Steve prioritized trainee awareness of respiratory diseases and conditions. He was committed to learning about new and emerging therapies and treatments for CF and was always eager to share knowledge and opportunities with the medical community, as well as the children and families he championed.
Steve had an infectious sense of humour and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved running, kayaking and camping with his close friends (Brian).
A heartfelt thank you to the Saanich Fire Department, paramedics, and staff at RJH. Also, a very special thank you for the loving care and kindness of the doctors, nurses and staff at RJH CCU.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (in honour of Dr. Steven Kent).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Kent” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
61 Responses
Am very shocked & saddened to hear of Dr. Kent’s passing.
As a former Special Care Nursery RN, I remember him for his quiet demeanour & dry sense of humour. It was hard to ‘top’ his jokes & one-liners, but I did…once! It was good to make him laugh for a change.
My sincere, belated, sympathy to Mrs. Kent, their children & grandchildren, & to all those who the Kent family hold dear.