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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!