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.
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Cindy Gee
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Dave Attwell On hearing of Steve’s passing, everyone in our office was aghast. We have all been touched by Steve, as a colleague, a friend, and physician to our practices and our own children. He was always reliable, dependable and confidence inspiring in a quiet and unassuming way. Steve didn’t hesitate to take a call about a patient and always went the extra yard to help out. Steve played a role in caring for our preemie twins, Erin and Adam – they were in great caring hands and are now healthy wonderful adults because they got the best shot at life at the beginning. He truly exemplified what it meant to be a Physician, providing excellence in care with a human touch. Steve, thank you.
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Jocelyne Couture De notre famille à la vôtre Lise, nous vous tenons proches de nos cœurs et que nos prières et sympathies les plus profondes vous entourent tous toujours.
Jocelyne et Michelle Couture
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Duncan Family Our deepest condolences to Dr. Kent’s family. Dr. Kent looked after my daughter when she was little, she was tested for CF and it was negative, Dr. Kent was very compassionate and caring. He looked after our daughter up through her teens for her asthma and really made a difference in her wellness. WE are very grateful for his help and care.
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Marisela Martinez Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Dr. Kent was a great support for our family and we will forever be grateful for all that he contributed to our son and daughter’s life.The Black-Martinez Family
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Teresa Winberg Phillips Dr. Kent was an incredible physician to so many families supported by our teams at Queen Alexandra Centre. He was respected and highly regarded by families and staff. I also briefly received his support with my own daughter when she was admitted. He was gentle and kind, knowledgeable and calm, which as a mom, felt to me like a lifeline. Both professionally and personally, I trusted his expertise and I always felt heard and respected. I thank his family for sharing him with so many of us, and for all that he gave to us. He was such a good person, and I admired him very much.
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Schaap Family We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Kent. Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Dr. Kent was not only our son’s pediatrician for the past 12 years — he was a steady, compassionate presence in our lives. He walked alongside us through some of our most vulnerable and formative years, beginning with our son’s diagnosis. His kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impact on our family, and we will always be grateful for the care and guidance he gave us.
It is hard to imagine future visits without him. He was more than a doctor. He was a true healer and advocate for children, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. May you find strength and peace in the love he gave and the legacy he leaves behind.
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Dale Sleightholme With deepest sympathy from the Sleightholme Family,
We are extremely sad to learn of Dr Steven Kent’s passing. Steve was our son Tyrus’s pediatrician, he was an incredible Dr and wonderful person. His knowledge , caring and openness to innovation made him a standout amount physicians. Over the many years of caring for Tyrus he became more like a friend and teammate in the pursuit towards the best care and treatments for Tyrus.He was always interested in how Tyrus’s hockey was going and provided a positive outlook for the future. Tyrus is currently enjoying a full life in his dream career which would not have been possible without the skill and caring of Steve.
Steve lived a life of great purpose the positive impact he made on the lives of so many , ours include, will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in every life he helped shape , every family he supported and every moment of health and happiness he made possible.
Dr Kent (Steve) will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With heartfelt thanks and deepest sympathy,
The Sleightholme Family
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Beth Dangerfield As the mom of 2 of Dr. Kent’s young patients,I extend my deepest condolences to all his family.As so many have said, his dedication, compassion and care with concerned parents when we had no idea why our son was so ill, his patient way of helping his patient feel heard and important even though a child – so many will miss him. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us all. May your memories be precious and comforting.
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Henriette My condolences to Dr. Kent’s family for this great loss. I had the privilege to work with Dr. Kent and was always impressed by his professionalism, compassion and dedication. He was an expert in his field which was to the great benefit of all his patients. As a nurse I always felt heard if I had concerns and I really enjoyed his sense of humour! He will be missed by many!
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Kathleen McIntyre I worked with Dr Kent in the pediatric care area from the opening of the “new hospital” in 1983 until my departure over 25 years later. He was also the MRP for my young son during a five day stay there. I have a fond memory of being the “patient” on a bed race team with him in the early 1990s. He was wonderful to work with, lovely with his patients and families and, as I recall, we could read his handwriting! I wish all the best to those of you who were close to him. Your world has changed. Your love has not.
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Marty Koyle Lise: My heart is with you and the family. I think back to the story that Steve would remind me of – how you two attended a dance where my band played, even years before you married and Steve and I started med school. He was a wonderful positive individual and he will be remembered by his classmates, patients, friends and families with smiles and memories.
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The Slater Family I am at a loss. This is heartbreaking news. Dr. Kent was an incredible man, and in many ways, Kelley is still with us today because of him.
Dr. Kent became Kelley’s doctor from the day he was born, spending nearly a year with him at VGH hospital almost every single day. During that time, I would sometimes return to Kelley’s hospital room and see Dr. Kent from the hallway, gently adjusting his blankets in the crib. On a few occasions, I even saw him just sitting in the rocking chair, holding him.
I frequently brought up research studies and alternative treatments being used in other countries, asking if we could try them. Dr. Kent always took the time to read through the materials I provided. On several occasions, he even supported those alternative options. Few doctors show that kind of patience, openness, and dedication.
He also supported and attended a charity event with Kelley—Taking it to the Street in Sidney—a road hockey tournament that raised money for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
When Kelley was older and hospitalized , Dr. Kent allowed him to attend hockey practices with his PICC line. I don’t need to explain the risks involved; hockey is certainly not on the list of things you’re supposed to do with a PICC line. But Dr. Kent understood the importance of mental health and knew how much it meant to Kelley to be there.
Kelley has continued to play hockey he even became the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to play Junior Hockey in Canada, Dr. Kent came to watch him play.
I didn’t have Dr. Kent’s personal cell number—but Kelley did.
Out of all the doctors who’ve come in and out of Kelley’s life, Dr. Kent stood apart. He was compassionate, thoughtful, and most importantly willing to let Kelley live beyond his diagnosis. His loss is one that I know Kelley will struggle with for a long time.
To Dr. Kent’s family—I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I can only hope that knowing the profound role he played in Kelley’s life brings you some comfort.
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Monica Castillo and kids Steven Kent was a compassionate and caring human being. Both my boys being premature were under his care and I always felt my babies were in good hands. Doctors and humans like him are rare today. It’s a great loss. Our heart felt condolences and love to his family❤️
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Janette Champagne Dear Lise, Chelsea and Joshua,
I worked with Steve over several years as a member of the CF team, and with children with special needs; I worked with him as an Interpreter for the Deaf during clinic visits where a Deaf child or a Deaf parent was present. At every turn, Steve’s engagements were caring and patient.
Steve used to jog past our home at Boulderwood and Bearwood Lane for all of the years we lived there. We used to joke that there was “another Doctor Kent sighting in the hood”. He was always open to a neighbourly chat.
Steve certainly had a wry and intelligent sense of humour. I found him to be deeply caring toward his patients and their families. As a social worker, he was very open to helping find solutions to social issues that impacted families. Personally, Dr Kent was following my granddaughter from birth to her current age of six. His passing will certainly leave a gulf in her care.
Larry and I wish to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to Dr Kent’s.
Larry and Janette Champagne
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Barb Fradette I worked on pediatrics for thirty years with Dr Kent, he was always friendly and approachable, my condolences to his family, he used to show pictures of his grandchildren and we had some good talks about the Canucks.
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Benjamin Family Dear Kent Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Steven Kent’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Dr. Kent was our daughter’s pediatrician in the late 1990s, and we feel truly blessed to have known him. His name continues to come up in our family discussions, as he was an incredibly understanding and compassionate doctor. As newcomers to Canada at the time, we were unfamiliar with the healthcare system and, as new parents, full of questions, concerns, and worries. Dr. Kent always took the time to explain things to us, helping us understand our daughter’s health, reassuring us, and truly making a difference in our journey as parents.
His kindness and dedication will remain in our hearts and prayers. We are forever grateful for the impact he had on our family and the many lives he touched.
Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
The Benjamin Family
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Pat Taylor Pat Taylor
My sincerest condolences to the Kent family.
Steve will be so missed by all who knew him and those who were cared for by him.
He was dedicated, kind, knowledgeable and skilled with a great sense of humour which guided us all over many years working together in NICU.
I feel very grateful to have known him.
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Robin Saunders As a family physician with an interest in pediatrics, I have interacted with Steve on multiple occasions over the last 35 years. He was always available to give advice about the care of patients in the community. We jointly looked after several patients with CF. He was a source of knowledge, calm, practical and dedicated to their care and well being.He was unassuming and had a wonderful sense of humour!He will be sorely missed.
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Keith Spacey It has been with shock and sadness that I learned of Steve’s Passing.
My friendship with Steve goes back to 1981 when he wrote inquiring about working in Victoria. He joined the partnership that I had with Basil Boulton and Jim Popkin proving a valued addition to Pediatric Care in Victoria and the Island especially in developing our Intensive Care Unit, establishing a CF Clinic and Pediatric Care generally. His cheerful and friendly demeanor meant that he got on well with Children, their families and Medical staff alike, readily accepting responsibilities in Pediatric Hospital administration. Personally we shared an enjoyment of running and participated in many formal Island Races together including a Medical Team in the annual Island Relay. My sincere condolences go to Lys, Joshua, Chelsea and extended family.
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Devin Turner Dr. Kent supported me through many difficult times growing up with my health challenges. His care went far beyond the hospital walls—he showed up to little league baseball games and was even there to celebrate with me when I transitioned from paediatrics to the adult ward. His unwavering support played a huge role in why I’m not only healthy today, but alive. Rest easy, Dr. Kent. You made a lasting difference.
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Kostadinov family Dr. Kent has been our son’s only CF doctor since his diagnosis at just two weeks old. In those early days, he calmed our deepest fears, and over the past decade, he has provided our family with exceptional care, compassion, and expertise. We truly felt fortunate to have one of the most knowledgeable, thoughtful, and experienced CF physicians in Canada guiding our son’s care. He always made a point of asking our son about his hockey games as Dr. Kent’s grandson was the same age as ours and occasionally played against each other. We didn’t hold it against him that he was a Habs fan.
It’s hard to imagine anyone else filling the role he played in our lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.
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delane bN peters I worked with Steve for many years in CF clinic and on pediatric ward. He had a hilarious sense of humor and was a kindhearted man and wonderful physician. It’s hard to believe he’s not still with us. Lise, Chelsea, Joshua and family my condolences are with you.
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Laura Phillips I met Steve in residency but my favourite memory of him was when I saw him with my infant son because my family doctor was concerned about his “peanut shaped head”.
Steve did the usual history taking and then said, “Well, let me see your head… yup, peanut-shaped… now we know why.”
I still laugh when I think about it and it’s become a bit of a favourite family story.
He will be very missed by many patients and colleagues.
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Tina Webber Steve was first an attending when I was a resident, and then a colleague for the last 25 years. For learners, he was an exemplary teacher and mentor – patient, kind, inspiring. As a colleague, he was always a name you were happy to see on call and then in later years, you knew shared patients were getting incredible care. Thank you so much to the Kent family for sharing him with us and he will be sorely missed
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Maria & Dave Our hearts are heavy at the thought that Steve’s commitment, compassion and wry humour are no longer. He was quick to connect with me when I started practice as we are both Winnipeggers. He was a mentor and friend. Dave & I are thinking of his family during this difficult time and will continue to remember his wonderful legacy.
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Al Hayashi My condolences to Lise and family. I am shocked to hear about Steve’s passing. It is a huge loss not just to our Victoria medical community but to the many communities of Vancouver Island. We shared many a patient over the decades and had many a discussion about life’s lessons, about our kids and family etc. He was a true mentor and role model for the pediatricians that have come to work and live here and one of life’s great people. RIP my great friend, I won’t forget you.
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Chris Hall Such devastating news. I cannot imagine the depth of his family’s grief. Steve was a wonderful colleague when I came to Victoria in 2006. Over many a consult we got to know each other and we had great conversations about medicine and ED and pediatrics and became good collegial friends. He teased me about my good handwriting (yes, good) and told medical students and residents about “the Hall font. “. Making our after hours lives and busy work just that much better. Thank You Dr Kent for being a shining star. I grieve your loss.
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Oona Hayes Steve helped to train me and others and was a beloved educator. He was skilled and personable and he truly made a difference in all the lives he interacted with. In quieter moments in between cases, he was quick to share his pride in his family and their lives.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I’m shocked and saddened at his untimely loss.
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Dorothy Chambers Three decades I worked with Steve as the attending on call pediatrician for the Labour/Delivery unit at VGH. We both shared a similar sense of humour, and it was just a joy to be with him and his calm expertise, as he cared for the newborns.
He always spoke so highly of his family to me.
Such a loss.
Dorothy Chambers RN, LDR
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Jonathan Down So sorry to hear about Steve’s premature death. He was my granddaughters Paediatrician and she “liked him a lot”.
As a colleague we shared the care of many patients over the years. He was thoughtful, kind and diligent. I live on Dalewood Lane and would often see him running around Rithets Bog. My heart goes out to your family.
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maurice smith Dear Lise, Joshua, Chelsea and the Fredette family; Our deepest condolences. We are heart broken over the passing of Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maurice, Lynne, Colin and Eric
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Connie Phelan My best memories of Steve were when working nights in the NICU together, we would tease back and forth over “food night” dinners when it was quiet and all of our mothers were tucked up in bed.
We made sure that he was aware that he was the “baby” of the team because he was usually 5-10 years younger than the rest of us even though he was the most educated. We just had to keep him humble. He always took it with great humor. And teased us back of course because he had such a great sense of humor. Those nights were fun and relaxed because we knew we could rely on his knowledge and skills.
I bumped into him twice in the last couple of months. Just to say hello in passing, but I’m so glad to have had those few moments.
May all of your friends and family keep their memories close for comfort in the future.
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Telen Harper My deepest condolences to Lise and family. I have interacted with Steve through our medical work over the past 35 years. He was always friendly and helpful with knowledgeable advice. He shall be missed!
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Kirsten Marten Dr. Kent was truly incredible. He saved our son’s life and I’m sure hundreds more. His legacies run, jump and play all over the province and will change the world thanks to him. Sending love to his family and al those who loved him ♥️
Saul, Luke, Kirsten and Jeremy Marten
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Vanessa and Jeremy Quast Dr. Kent was a wonderful paediatricion for our son for many years. A kind, patient, and empathetic doctor and a charismatic communicator. Such a huge loss for the medical community. We can only imagine what an incredible father and grandfather that he was. Our sincere condolences to his family; he is very highly regarded in our household.
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Nicole Crockett We send our love during this difficult time. Dr Kent was our son’s doctor and we were set to see him next month. He’s been a huge part of our son’s health journey and we are thankful to have had him. He was a great doctor and will be missed by many.
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Tabitha Carlson Our family is sad to hear of Steve , he was my daughter’s pediatrician for many years. Our condolences to his family, friends and work colleagues.
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June Jacob I had the privilege of working with Steve for many years as the nurse coordinator of the Victoria Pediatric CF clinic. His dedication to the CF kids and families did not go unnoticed. Our team all enjoyed his sense of humour. Sadly I know the pain of sudden unexpected loss of a loved one. I am deeply sorry to Lise and the family whom he often spoke of fondly and shared pics of his grandkids. Be gentle with your heavy hearts. I leave you with this quote…
So,on the hard days, you must remind yourself:
You wouldn’t trade the love to escape the grief.
You wouldn’t erase the happiness to avoid the pain.
And you will endure a lifetime of missing,
For the privilege of having loved.
Jameson Arasi
Rest easy Steve, June
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Michael and Gayle Stewart-Loutit As neighbours, over the years we’ve observed and marvelled at the energetic nature of Dr.Kent, as he jogged to and from his vehicle, heading to or returning home from work. He always had an uplifting smile on his face, that seemed to reflect all that was good in his life. His reputation as a wonderful doctor, a great family man, and an advocate of healthy living, was highly admired by the Boulderwood Rise residents. We send our deepest condolences to Steve’s beautiful wife Lise, his family, friends, and colleagues. Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love.
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The Steeves family We are devastated to hear of Dr. Kent’s tragic passing. He was a kind, dedicated and skilled physician and advocate for his patients and we will be forever grateful that our daughter with CF had the privilege of being under his care these past 14 years. Our deepest condolences to his friends & colleagues and especially to his family.
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Luella Klassen Words are inadequate at a time like this. May the love of family and friends and the cherished
memories of Steve sustain you in this time of grief. My sincere condolences to Perry and Jocelyn and to Steve’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you..
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Sandy Popham Steve was a great physician and family of my former husband who will be missed by
everyone who knew him, but especially by his family and wife Lise and his children and grandchildren.
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Terri Gesualdo We are so sad to hear of Steve’s passing, our deepest condolences to Lise and his family. I so loved our chats about the Bombers. RIP Steve
Terri Gesualdo and family
We are devastated to hear of Dr. Kent’s passing. He was our son Connor’s pediatrician since a baby. He was the best doctor you could ask for: knowledgeable, compassionate, and approachable. We will miss him greatly. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Connor Yu and family