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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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..
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.
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